The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 1997 to address global challenges related to drugs, crime, corruption, and terrorism. Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, the UNODC works with governments, civil society, and international partners to strengthen justice systems, promote rule of law, and support efforts against organized crime and drug trafficking. Its mission is to help create safer societies by providing technical assistance, conducting research, and developing international standards and conventions. The organization also focuses on preventing drug abuse, ensuring access to treatment and rehabilitation, and combating money laundering and cybercrime. Operating through regional and field offices worldwide, the UNODC assists member states in implementing the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the UN Convention against Corruption. Furthermore, it leads global initiatives promoting human rights, youth empowerment, and sustainable development as part of the 2030 Agenda, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in achieving lasting peace and security.
Here is what you need to know to excel and navigate yourself during the debate sessions:
• Moderated Caucuses: The Chair of UNODC calls on speakers to address the committee from a speakers' list during moderated caucuses, which are the primary forum for discussion in the body. This enables targeted and organized discussion on the current problem.
• Unmoderated Caucuses: Delegates can freely debate and work out resolutions or amendments in unmoderated caucuses by teaming up, authoring sample resolutions, and having debates themselves regarding points in the discussed topic. This is less formal and promotes diplomacy behind closed doors.
• Speakers' List: Following the official start of the discussion, delegates can seek to be added to the speakers' list in the order that the chair designates.
• Time Limits: One to two minutes is the usual time restriction allotted to each speaker. The delegate making the motion to advance to the moderated or unmoderated caucus can set the time limit, or the committee can vote to change it as needed.
Amendments: Resolutions can be amended through a formal process. Amendments must be voted on and approved by a majority of UNODC.
An Illustration of the Process of a UNODC Session's Opening:
The President declares the subject of the agenda (such as drug trafficking, organized crime, corruption, or criminal justice reform) and opens the meeting.
Parliamentary Procedure in UNODC
Like other UN bodies, UNODC operates according to legislative procedures. By ensuring well-organized discussion and impartial decision-making, the rules enable full participation of all member states in the process. UNODC’s main parliamentary procedures are listed below:
• Roll Call: A check to see which delegates are present at the start of each session.
• Setting the Agenda: A motion to decide the order in which topics will be debated.
• Speakers’ List: A list of delegates who wish to speak on the current topic.
Caucuses:
• Moderated Caucus: A structured debate where the Chair recognizes speakers to address specific points.
• Unmoderated Caucus: Informal discussion where delegates meet freely to negotiate and draft resolutions.
Motions:
• Motion to Open Debate: A motion to begin formal discussion on the topic.
• Motion to Close Debate: A motion to end debate on a topic and move to voting.
• Motion to Introduce a Resolution: A motion to formally present a draft resolution for debate.
• Motion to Amend: A proposal to make changes to a draft resolution.
• Right to Reply: A request to respond to an attack or offense in a speech.
• Motion to Suspend the Meeting: A motion to temporarily pause the session, often for a break.
• Motion to Adjourn the Meeting: A motion to end the session for the day.
• Motion to Reconsider: A motion to reopen discussion on a previously voted topic.
• Motion to Approach the Chairing Panel: A motion to request to approach the chairing panel to ask any needed questions.
Points:
• Point of Information: A question directed at another delegate about their position or speech.
• Point of Personal Privilege: A request to address a personal discomfort (e.g., inability to hear, use the bathroom, take a personal break outside the meeting room).
• Point of Order: A call to address a procedural error or breach of rules.
Voting:
• Voting on Resolutions: Resolutions on substantive matters require a two-thirds majority, while procedural matters need only a simple majority.
• Abstentions: Member states may abstain from voting, which doesn’t count as a negative vote.
• Voting Format: Votes are typically conducted via show of placards or roll call, with options to vote "yes," "no," or "abstain."
Amendments:
Amendments to UNODC or alterations to a draft resolution or clause are referred to by the United Nations (UN) in order to enhance or clarify its text. The resolution may be amended by delegates to add, remove, or change specific language in order to make sure it supports their nation's perspective or to foster agreement among the council members. A delegate must first compose the amendment precisely, outlining the modifications they would like to see before submitting it. After that, they submit it to the chair for evaluation. Should the chair find it acceptable, the council will be able to discuss and take a vote on it.
NOTES:
• During debates, delegates must adhere strictly to the rules of parliamentary procedure.
• Avoid using personal pronouns and always refer to colleagues as “the delegate of [country].”
Sample Resolution:
Committee:- United Nations of Drugs and Crime
Resolution:- Opioid epidemic
Main submitter:- Malaysia, Peru
Co-submitters:- Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Ecuador
The office of the United Nations of drugs and crime,
Operative Clauses:-
1. Establishing strong treatment facilities, rehab centers, and counseling services by allocating increased funding for expansion and training healthcare professionals;
a. Prioritize awareness campaigns and community outreach to educate the public, reduce stigma, and enhance accessibility to treatment resources;
i. Develop a holistic approach by integrating mental health services with addiction treatment, addressing coexisting disorders for more comprehensive and effective care;
ii. Advocate for regulatory changes and policies that improve access to treatment, ensuring a supportive environment for individuals seeking help and streamlining overall healthcare.
2. Establishing targeted campaigns to educate the public about the risks of opioid abuse, emphasizing the distinction between prescription use and misuse;
a. Strengthen prescription drug monitoring programs, enforce stricter regulations on opioid prescriptions, and enhance efforts to curb the illicit drug trade;
i. Improve access to addiction treatment services, offering rehabilitation programs, counseling, and support for those affected by opioid misuse;
ii. Encouraging community engagement to reduce stigma, encourage counseling, and create a supportive environment for individuals seeking help or in recovery.
3. Establishing cost-effective healthcare measures, including prevention programs and early intervention, to reduce the economic impact of treating opioid-related health issues;
a. By creating workplace initiatives promoting a drug-free environment, offering employee assistance programs, and supporting rehabilitation to minimize productivity losses;
i. Creating collaborations between government and businesses to share the economic burden, ensuring a sustainable response to opioid related challenges;
ii. expanding rehabilitation services aiding individuals in recovery to integrate into society and the workplace, reducing long term economic issues on social services.
Here is all the information you need to fully comprehend the topics you will later debate and discuss in your committee’s session:
Topic 1: Addressing the Growing Influence of Drug Cartels in Colombian Territories: Exploring International Strategies to Support Colombia’s Fight Against Organized Crime and the Global Drug Trade.
1. Summary
Colombia has been a central hub of the global cocaine trade for decades, with domestic drug cartels and organized crime groups controlling production, trafficking, and distribution. Despite government efforts and international assistance, the influence of these cartels remains significant, contributing to violence, corruption, and instability in certain territories. The issue is deeply intertwined with economic factors such as poverty, weak governance, and rural marginalization, and it has global implications due to international demand and transnational trafficking networks. Efforts to combat drug cartels involve law enforcement, judicial measures, development programs, and international cooperation, but challenges persist as cartels adapt and diversify their operations.
2. Main Countries Involved
3. Timeline of Events
· 1970–1980:Cocaine production rapidly increases in Colombia. Major cartels emerge, using violence to dominate trafficking routes.
· 1993–1995:Pablo Escobar and other major cartel leaders are killed or captured. Large cartels collapse, leading to smaller groups.
· 2000: Plan Colombia begins, with United States support for military operations, drug eradication, and rural development programs.
· 2000s–2010:New criminal organizations form and cooperate with Mexican and other international cartels to traffic drugs globally.
· 2010–2020:Cocaine cultivation remains high despite eradication efforts. Drug routes expand through Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe.
· 2021–2023:Cocaine production rises again. Violence and instability increase as cartels compete for control in rural areas.
· 2024–2025:Transnational crime networks diversify operations. International cooperation continues, but Colombia still faces major challenges in reducing coca cultivation and dismantling organized crime.
4. Resources & Dabate
Key Resources
Topic 2: Enhancing International Cooperation: Strengthening Banking Transparency and Regulatory Measures in Developed Countries to Prevent Money Laundering Financing Organized Crime and Terrorism.
1. Summary
In developed countries, the integrity of banking and financial systems faces significant threats from money laundering, organized‑crime networks and terrorist financing. Criminal enterprises exploit weaknesses in transparency, regulatory oversight, correspondent banking relationships and cross‑border flows to hide illicit proceeds or fund extremist activities. To counter these risks, international cooperation has grown countries are aligning regulatory standards (such as through the Financial Action Task Force), sharing intelligence across jurisdictions, enhancing beneficial‑ownership registries and tightening bank disclosures. Strengthening banking transparency, improving regulatory frameworks and enhancing cooperation between national authorities and across borders aims to prevent illicit flows from entering legitimate systems, reduce the profits of criminal and terror networks, and restore public and financial‑market confidence.
2. Main Countries Involved:
3. Timeline of Key Events
· Late 1980–1990: The Financial Action Task Force is established, creating the first global framework for anti-money laundering standards and recognizing the cross-border nature of financial crime.
· 2000: Banking and global financial services expand rapidly, awareness grows of money laundering linked to organized crime and drug trafficking.
· 2003–2005: Major international treaties are implemented, including the United Nations Convention against Corruption (2003) and regional agreements on asset recovery and anti-money laundering enforcement.
· 2010: Developed countries introduce stronger banking transparency measures, such as beneficial ownership registries, stricter Know Your Customer rules, and enhanced correspondent bank due diligence.
· 2024–2025: Financial Action Task Force, INTERPOL, and UNODC issue joint meetings to strengthen international cooperation, improve asset recovery, and increase regulatory effectiveness.
· Ongoing: Developed countries continue to strengthen regulatory frameworks, enforce banking supervision, expand transparency obligations, and share intelligence internationally to disrupt organized crime and terrorist financing.
4. Resources for Research & Debate
Key Resources:
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