VIENNA, May 3. /Dunyo IA/. The official website of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has published an article dedicated to the outcomes of the first Samarkand International Forum “Countering Transnational Drug Threats to Public Health and Security,” held on 20–21 April 2026 in Uzbekistan, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The publication highlights Uzbekistan’s role as the host of the forum and a leader in regional cooperation. UNODC noted that broad multilateral participation and active youth engagement reflect the country’s strong commitment to multilateralism and constructive cooperation within the UN system.

As a result of the forum, the Samarkand Declaration and the Youth Call to Action were adopted, establishing a shared regional approach in evidence-based prevention, law enforcement cooperation, and information exchange on emerging threats.

The article also quotes Bo Mathiasen, Director of UNODC’s Division of Operations, who expressed gratitude to the Government of Uzbekistan for organizing the forum and emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships in response to evolving drug market challenges in the region.

The publication concludes that the Samarkand Declaration and the Youth Call to Action mark an important step toward translating regional dialogue into practical cooperation and advancing the goal of making Central Asia a region free from the harmful effects of illicit drug trafficking, ensuring safety, health, and prosperity for present and future generations.