Illicit drugs destroy innumerable individual lives and undermine our societies. Confronting the illicit trade in drugs and its effects remains a major challenge for the international community. Although the consumption of drugs has been a fact of life for centuries, addiction has mushroomed over the last five decades. It now demands a determined and international response.

The basis for such action lies in the three international drug control treaties and their implementation by the United Nations International Drug Control Programme. The environment within which this control system operates is changing rapidly, and up to date information is therefore needed to respond quickly and effectively to all aspects of the problem: the manufacture, trafficking and abuse of illicit drugs. I believe it is the responsibility of the United Nations to take the initiative in raising public awareness of those aspects of the drugs problem which now affect every community in every nation.

Many entities of the UN system have begun to present global analyses of developments and trends in their areas. I encourage the United Nations International Drug Control Programme to present comprehensive information to help in responding to the challenge of international drug control. Such data will enhance the capacity of the Organization as a whole to respond effectively to the global drugs menace.

Kofi Annan
United Nations Secretary General