VIENNA, 24 June 2021 — Around 275 million people used drugs worldwide in the last year, while over 36 million people suffered from drug use disorders, according to the 2021 World Drug Report, released today by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The Report further noted that in the last 24 years cannabis potency had increased by as much as four times in parts of the world, even as the percentage of adolescents who perceived the drug as harmful fell by as much as 40 per cent, despite evidence that cannabis use is associated with a variety of health and other harms, especially among regular long-term users. "Lower perception of drug use risks has been linked to higher rates of drug use, and the findings of UNODC’s 2021 World Drug Report highlight the need to close the gap between perception and reality to educate young people and safeguard public health,” said UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly. “The theme of this year’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is “Share facts on drugs. Save lives”, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the evidence base and raising public awareness, so that the international community, governments, civil society, families and youth can make informed decisions, better target efforts to prevent and treat drug use, and tackle world drug challenges.” According to the Report, the percentage of Δ9-THC —the main psychoactive component in cannabis— has risen from around six per cent to more than 11 per cent in Europe between 2002-2019, and around four per cent to 16 per cent in the United States between 1995-2019, while the percentage of adolescents that perceived cannabis as harmful declined by 40 per cent in the United States and by 25 per cent in Europe. Moreover, most countries have reported a rise in the use of cannabis during the pandemic. In surveys of health professionals across 77 countries, 42 per cent asserted that cannabis use had increased. A rise in the non-medical use of pharmaceutical drugs has also been observed in the same period.  Drug Use Rising, but Science-Based Treatment More Available Between 2010-2019 the number of people using drugs increased by 22 per cent, owing in part to global population growth. Based on demographic changes alone, current projections suggest an 11 per cent rise in the number of people who use drugs globally by 2030 -- and a marked increase of 40 per cent in Africa, due to its rapidly growing and young population. According to the latest global estimates, about 5.5 per cent of the population aged between 15 and 64 years have used drugs at least once in the past year, while 36.3 million people, or 13 per cent of the total number of persons who use drugs, suffer from drug use disorders. Globally, over 11 million people are estimated to inject drugs, half of whom are living with Hepatitis C. Opioids continue to account for the largest burden of disease attributed to drug use. The two pharmaceutical opioids most commonly used to treat people with opioid use disorders, methadone and buprenorphine, have become increasingly accessible over the past two decades. The amount available for medical use has increased six-fold since 1999, from 557 million daily doses to 3,317 million by 2019, indicating that science-based pharmacological treatment is more available now than in the past. The Dark Web Drug markets on the dark web only emerged a decade ago but major ones are now worth at least US$ 315 million in annual sales. Although this is just a fraction of overall drug sales, the trend is upwards with a fourfold increase between 2011 to mid-2017 and mid-2017 to 2020. Rapid technological innovation, combined with the agility and adaptability of those using new platforms to sell drugs and other substances, is likely to usher in a globalized market where all drugs are more available and accessible everywhere. This, in turn, could trigger accelerated changes in patterns of drug use and entail public health implications, according to the Report. The Drug Market Rebounds and Shifts The new report shows that drug markets have swiftly resumed operations after the initial disruption at the onset of the pandemic; a burst that has triggered or accelerated certain pre-existing trafficking dynamics across the global drug market. Among these are: increasingly larger shipments of illicit drugs, a rise in the frequency of overland and water-way routes used for trafficking, greater use of private planes for the purpose of drug trafficking, and an upsurge in the use of contactless methods to deliver drugs to end-consumers. The resilience of drug markets during the pandemic has demonstrated once again traffickers’ ability to adapt quickly to changed environments and circumstances. The Report also noted that cocaine supply chains to Europe are diversifying, pushing prices down and quality up and thereby threatening Europe with a further expansion of the cocaine market. This is likely to widen the potential harm caused by the drug in the region. The number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) emerging on the global market fell from 163 in 2013 to 71 in 2019. This reflects trends in North America, Europe and Asia. The findings suggest national and international control systems have succeeded in limiting the spread of NPS in high income countries, where NPS first emerged a decade ago. Drug Risks, New Developments Spurred by Pandemic COVID-19 has triggered innovation and adaptation in drug prevention and treatment services through more flexible models of service delivery. Many countries have introduced or expanded telemedicine services due to the pandemic, which for drug users means that healthcare workers can now offer counselling or initial assessments over the telephone and use electronic systems to prescribe controlled substances.       While the impact of COVID-19 on drug challenges is not yet fully known, the analysis suggests that the pandemic has brought increasing economic hardship that is likely to make illicit drug cultivation more appealing to fragile rural communities. The social impact of the pandemic –driving a rise in inequality, poverty, and mental health conditions particularly among already vulnerable populations-- represent factors that could push more people into drug use.  *** After the embargo has lifted, the 2021 World Drug Report and further content will be available here: https://wdr.unodc.org/ The 2021 World Drug Report provides a global overview of the supply and demand of opiates, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine-type stimulants and new psychoactive substances (NPS), as well as their impact on health, taking into account the possible effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. * *** * For further information and interview requests, please contact: Brian Hansford Chief, UNODC Advocacy Section
Phone: (+43-699) 1458-3225
Email: brian.hansford[at]un.org

Serbia is undergoing extensive reforms to consolidate a competitive market-based economy. The Government considers trade, along with investment, as an essential element to achieving structural transformation and inclusive growth. Reforms accord priority to harmonizing non-tariff measures. As part of these efforts, the Government of Serbia will use UNECE recommendations to remove regulatory and procedural barriers to trade in goods, which, by inflating transaction costs, have been undermining end-to-end supply chain efficiencies, employment generation and competitiveness in domestic and global markets. The recommendations were developed in consultation with the Government drawing on the findings of a UNECE study “Regulatory and Procedural Barriers to Trade: Needs Assessment” and “The Impact of COVID-19 on Trade and Structural Transformation in Serbia: Evidence from UNECE’s survey of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises”, which were presented today in Geneva. UNECE Executive Secretary Ms. Olga Algayerova emphasized that “UNECE’s studies on regulatory and procedural barriers to trade and COVID-19 impact assessments have proved to be an effective tool for member States to identify bottlenecks in their trade flows, which also affect the movement of essential goods. UNECE is committed to supporting the efforts of Serbia to harness trade as a driver for the sustainable economic recovery needed to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.” Trade as an engine for driving inclusive development Driving Serbia’s reforms is a trade-led development approach, which is consistent with the multilateral trading system, even though Serbia is not yet a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and is anchored in bilateral and regional cooperation arrangements. Serbia’s trade-led development efforts entered a new phase in 2010, which marked the entry into force of the Interim Agreement on Trade and Trade-Related with the European Community. The agreement, which is an integral part of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with the European Union (EU) that entered into force in 2013, sets the context for developing a free trade area between Serbia and the EU and provides an impetus for scaling up Serbia’s reform and development efforts. Serbia is a service-driven economy, the sector generating more than 50 per cent of GDP and providing jobs to some 70 per cent of the labour force (2019). The industrial sector ranks second, with 20 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) and 25 per cent of total employment in 2019, followed by agriculture and construction. The Government is taking steps to address challenges linked to its trade deficit (USD 6.7 billion in 2020); limited range of trading partners; and the weak productive capacity of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which account for 99 per cent of active registered enterprises. MSMEs are mainly involved in activities with low value-added, and only a small segment is engaged in export activities on a continuous basis. Structural reforms over the past years coupled with the Government’s relief and support measures to alleviate the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic are showing results. Real GDP grew by 1.7 per cent during the first quarter of 2021 in relation to the corresponding quarter in 2020, and the central bank estimates that growth will reach 6 per cent in 2021. However, unemployment seems to be lagging, estimated at 9.9 per cent by the end of the fourth quarter of 2021. Moreover, despite improvements, inequalities remain a challenge, with 23.2 per cent of the population found to be at risk of poverty in 2019. Actions to support the achievement of SDGs UNECE recommendations build on reform achievements to date and are geared to generating efficiency gains throughout the supply chain and supporting enterprise development. They involve practical, action-oriented measures that address the country’s immediate and long-term capacity needs drawing on international best practices and UNECE best practice recommendations, standards and guidelines in the areas of trade facilitation and regulatory cooperation as well as successful experiences in enterprise development. The recommendations are grouped under 6 areas with a view to: Addressing the MSMEs’ financial crisis by expanding the scope of emergency credit schemes to address the MSMEs’ liquidity crunch and publishing detailed information on application procedures. Bolstering transparency in trade by going beyond online publication of up-to-date information on trade rules and procedures to strengthening the capacity of State agencies, with a view to enabling them to prepare explanatory material on the implication of these rules and maintain continuous consultations with the private sector. Transitioning to a paperless trading environment following a concerted effort to streamline, harmonise and standardize information requirements, in order to set the context of establishing an online system for a one-time submission to data elements following the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) recommendations and business standards. Further reducing clearance time by, among others, synchronizing the working hours of control agencies, streamlining control procedures, further developing the risk management system and equipping border crossing points (BCPs) with the required facilities. Consolidating the national system of quality infrastructure with additional resources for addressing capacity shortfalls in the areas of standardization, conformity assessment and metrology. Bringing the enterprise sector, particularly MSMEs, up to regulatory requirements in domestic and global markets through targeted programmes that are geared towards developing their productive capacity. By generating supply chain efficiencies and supporting enterprise development, the recommendations will help drive progress on multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 1 (no poverty), 8 (decent work and economic growth), 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions) and 17 (partnerships for the goals). UNECE will be assisting the Government of Serbia in implementing the recommendations in collaboration with development partners, and working closely with the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Serbia. The findings and recommendations emerging from the studies will also be reflected in the UN Development Cooperation Framework, which seeks to support the country in addressing key SDG priorities and gaps. For more information, please visit: http://www.unece.org/tradewelcome/studies-on-regulatory-and-procedural-barriers-to-trade.html Note to editors UNECE study on regulatory and procedural barriers to trade in Serbia was conducted upon the request of the Government of Serbia, using the UNECE survey-based evaluation methodology. The study was carried over the period 2019-2020 with funds from the United Nations Development Account. Similar studies were carried out in Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Republic of Moldova and Tajikistan. The studies were conducted upon the requests of the Governments. UNECE assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on trade and structural transformation in Serbia was conducted upon the request of the Government of Serbia, using the UNECE questionnaire that was adapted to the national context. In total, 726 agricultural and manufacturing enterprises from across the country participated in the survey, which was carried over the period May-October 2020 in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia. UNECE carried out similar COVID-19 impact assessments in Armenia, Belarus, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova. The assessments were carried out in 2020 upon the request of the Governments with funds from the United Nations Development Account.

Belgrade – 3 June 2021 – On this World Bicycle Day, the UN in Serbia, European Union Delegation to Serbia, Embassy of the Netherlands and Streets for Cyclists association invite all citizens to use bicycles more, as a fast, efficient, inexpensive and healthy means of transport. To mark this day, a cycling gathering was organised for all cyclists to promote bicycles and cycling as a way to contribute to protecting the environment, reducing the greenhouse effect and slowing down climate change. “On the World Bicycle Day and any other day, let us continue to pedal and demonstrate the importance of bicycles in creating healthier, more sustainable cities and countering climate change. Together with partners, the United Nations in Serbia will continue to support local and national authorities in improving the cycling infrastructure and road safety, with a view to developing sustainable urban transport and a healthy environment”, said Françoise Jacob, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia. The Ambassador of the Netherlands Joost Reintjes highlighted the benefits of using bicycles as a means of transportation: “We celebrate the World Bicycle Day to raise the profile of bicycles in urban communities and draw attention to the fact that cycling is not only recreation or sport, but also a means of transportation. We want to show that cycling is a convenient, healthy and inexpensive transportation option that contributes to better environment. This is one in a series of initiatives taken as part of the Green Grove campaign, conducted by the Embassy this year with the aim of introducing good practices from the Netherlands in the ‘green’ living concept, in cooperation with citizens, companies and decision makers.” At the event, citizens had an opportunity to share experiences, learn more about sustainable mobility options in Belgrade from the presentation of the “Pedalling across Belgrade” guide, make minor repairs on their bicycles, and enjoy special Dutch pancakes. As one of the most sustainable, inclusive, safest and healthiest mobility options, cycling was given fresh impetus in May by the adoption of the first-ever Pan-European Master Plan for Cycling Promotion at the Fifth High-level Meeting on Transport, Health and Environment, held under the auspices of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the World Health Organization. Serbia was among the participant countries. The Master Plan is designed to help national and local stakeholders focus their efforts on cycling promotion. It contains seven key goals to be achieved by 2030: significantly increase cycling in the region; provide appropriate space in favour of active mobility; extend and improve cycling infrastructure; develop and implement national cycling policies, plans, strategies and programmes; significantly increase cyclists' safety and reduce the number of fatalities and series injuries; integrate cycling into health policies; and integrate cycling infrastructure into land use, urban, regional and transport infrastructure planning. Representative of Streets for Cyclists association Zoran Bukvić announced that a National Cycling Strategy was under preparation within a project of the Pan-European Programme, under the EU-funded Danube Transnational Programme. The Strategy would be focused on adopting legal provisions conducive to cycling and rulebooks harmonising the design of cycling infrastructure, and identifying cycling routes across Serbia to promote cycling tourism. The project would also raise awareness about the importance and advantages of cycling as part of citizens’ daily routine. He also made a reference to the recently adopted Belgrade Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, selected by the European Commission jury as a finalist, together with Bilbao, Spain, and Grenoble, France, in a contest for the best plan. Given Belgrade’s high ranking and ambitious plan, the city authorities set themselves high goals in sustainable transport planning, and project partners were certainly willing to help make Belgrade a better place to live with their advice and knowledge. About the World Bicycle Day In 2018, the UN General Assembly declared 3 June as World Bicycle Day, in recognition of the importance of this means of transportation and its contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. World days are an opportunity to raise awareness of specific topics and to appeal for action, which is precisely what we are doing on this occasion. At the individual level, cycling is healthy and inexpensive, allows us to travel short distances quickly and does not require much parking space. In addition, cycling makes us happy. From the economic aspect, companies know that staff who cycle to work take fewer sick days, are more creative and tend to be happier. Finally, from the aspect of urban planning and development, cycling can improve the city you live in by reducing noise and air pollution, traffic congestions and parking space requirements. In a nutshell, cycling is healthy, affordable and environmentally friendly, and thus beneficial for all. Therefore, we should all get involved in creating better conditions for cyclists and play a role in urban cycling development. It is essential to grow the existing cycling culture and inform the public about the benefits of cycling for citizens and cities, with the involvement of citizens, city and state authorities, non-governmental organisations and businesses.    

28 April 2021, Belgrade, Serbia – A two-day virtual workshop marked the official launch of a project strengthening disaster resilience in Serbia’s agriculture sector. The EUR 2.5 million project is funded by the European Union, and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Climate change and natural disasters, including drought, floods and hail have a profound impact on Serbia, affecting large numbers of the population and causing significant economic losses. The agricultural sector is among the most affected.  “Project is the direct result of the expressed intention of both National Authorities of Serbia and the EU to engage in action to boost resilience and adaption to climate change in all sectors, including agriculture. Policy change, capacity building, elaboration of curriculum in education and demonstration activities at farm level will allow Serbia to make one step ahead in developing more productive and sustainable agriculture”, said Spyros Afentoulidis, Project Manager of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia in his introductory speech. Assistant Minister for agricultural policy Nenad Katanić welcomed participants on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management, emphasizing the ideal moment of the project implementation, since the Ministry has just formed a new organizational unit that will deal with the impact of climate change and natural disasters on agriculture. "I hope that this comprehensive project will provide excellent results, we are aware that capacities of the Ministry are not sufficient to adequately respond to these challenges, but together with local self-governments, agricultural extension services and the project itself we can achieve a lot". Sandra Nedeljković, Deputy Director of Public Investment Management Office thanked the European Union for support and stressed that, as a society, we have forgot about the prevention, but since the floods in 2014 we have been actively working on it: ‘’It is not a question whether natural disasters will happen, but only when, and agriculture is one of the most affected sectors”.    FAO National Programme Coordinator for Serbia Aleksandar Mentov, noted that the purpose of the workshop is to present a new project funded by the EU and implemented by FAO, which aims to improve capacities for disaster risk reduction and climate resilient agriculture in Serbia, at both national and local levels. Representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Ministry of European Integration, and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, as well as the Provincial Secretariat for Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry, the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities, local governments, the Institute for Science Application in Agriculture also took part in the introductory workshop. Agricultural extension and advisory services, agricultural schools, as well as representatives of farmers actively participated in the project launch. Jeroen Arends, an international expert on climate change, showed participants the impact that climate change has on the agricultural sector in Serbia, as well as the risks of natural disasters. After his presentation, Carolina Starr, the leader technical officer for the project, elaborated on the project’s two main components. On one hand, the project will ensure the integration of disaster risk reduction and climate-smart agriculture principles into agriculture policies at national and local levels. The aim of this component is to strengthen institutional resilience of the agricultural sector against climate change. To realize this, FAO will work directly with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, agricultural advisory services, agricultural high schools, local self-governments, and other relevant institutions and organizations. On the other, applying climate-smart agriculture will help reduce the risk of natural disasters. Practical measures and demonstration fields will provide examples of climate-resilient agriculture, while farmers can access up-to-date knowledge, technologies, and practices related to climate change mitigation and adaptation. The event concluded with an interactive workshop on climate smart agriculture and disaster risk reduction and management. Over 80 representatives from various institutions and organizations, as well as farmers exchanged views and proposals on climate-resistant agriculture, but also on approaches to implementing project activities and the roles of all partners. They confirmed their interest in learning more about the climate change impact on Serbia’s agriculture, and especially about the ways to reduce climate risks and invest into new knowledge.