UNITE was honored to actively participate in the Geneva Course on Drug Policy, Public Health, and Diplomacy, held from January 27 to 29, 2025, at Campus Biotech in Geneva. This esteemed course, co-organized by the University of Geneva’s Institute of Global Health, the Global Health Center of the Geneva Graduate Institute, and the Global Commission on Drug Policy, has become a pivotal platform for advancing global dialogue on drug policy reform, public health, and diplomacy.
Our President and Founder, Hon. Ricardo Baptista Leite, M.D., delivered a compelling presentation emphasizing the critical role of parliamentarians in shaping effective and humane drug policies. UNITE Member Hon. Halldóra Mogensen, Member of Parliament of Iceland, also actively contributed to the discussions. Both interventions underscored the importance of evidence-based approaches, harm reduction strategies, and the integration of human rights principles in the development and implementation of drug policies.
UNITE’s Drug Policy Desk, launched in 2020, plays a key role in supporting parliamentary engagement and fostering constructive dialogue among legislators committed to reform. Our involvement in this course exemplifies our ongoing efforts to empower policymakers with the tools and insights needed to promote health-centered and rights-based drug policies.
The course brought together a diverse group of experts, policymakers, and advocates from across the globe to examine crucial topics such as the international drug control regime, the intersection of drug policy with public health and human rights, and pressing challenges including the opioid crisis and cannabis regulation. This collaborative environment enabled the exchange of perspectives and the development of innovative, multidisciplinary solutions.
UNITE remains committed to promoting public health and human rights through informed policy dialogue. We firmly believe that equipping parliamentarians with the latest evidence and fostering international cooperation are essential to driving transformative change in drug policy. We extend our sincere thanks to Professor Michel Kazatchkine and the organizing institutions for convening this important initiative. Together, we continue to advocate for a more just and health-oriented approach to global drug policy.
