Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken delivered introductory remarks for President Joe Biden at the Summit of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats, held on September 24, 2024, at the InterContinental Hotel in New York City.
Blinken began by acknowledging the presence of various heads of state, leaders, and foreign ministers. He emphasized the importance that countries place on addressing the synthetic drug crisis and highlighted the strength of international partnerships.
"The exceptional group that’s gathered in this room is a testament to the priority that our countries place on addressing the synthetic drug crisis – and the strength of our partnerships," Blinken stated.
He detailed how synthetic drugs have become a growing threat worldwide. "For years, the threat of synthetic drugs has been rising around the world: methamphetamines in East and Southeast Asia; Captagon in the Middle East; tramadol in Africa; and here in the United States fentanyl, the number-one killer of Americans aged 18-49."
Blinken explained that tackling this issue requires global cooperation as precursor chemicals are shipped across borders before being turned into synthetic drugs and sold internationally. "Every country needs to take steps at home to address this challenge. But no single government can solve it alone," he said.
The global coalition was launched last July by the United States and its partners to mobilize a coordinated response to synthetic drug threats. Initially comprising 80 countries, it has now expanded to nearly 160 countries and 15 international organizations.
Over the past year, more than 1,600 experts from around the world have consulted with this coalition. "Together, this coalition has taken concrete steps to make our communities safer, to make our people healthier," Blinken noted.
Key initiatives include creating an international network for legislators to share best practices, tracking new trends in drug use for law enforcement and health professionals, training officials on using tools to identify illegal sales of precursor chemicals online, and developing public health measures such as expanding access to naloxone and resources for addiction treatment centers.
The United States introduced a new pledge outlining seven lines of effort for future collaboration on regulating drugs and chemicals, monitoring supply chains, and sharing real-time data on drug use. These efforts can be adapted by each country or organization involved.
"In a moment, we’ll also hear from several coalition members about their leadership, their commitments, and we’ll carry this work forward together," Blinken said. He concluded by emphasizing collective efforts: "Together all of our countries’ efforts add up to a stronger global network."
He then introduced President Joe Biden as "a powerful advocate for this work" who has spent years building coalitions on critical issues.
Thanking everyone present once again for their participation during a busy week at UNGA 79 events related to combating drugs and crime activities under Bureau International Narcotics Law Enforcement Affairs office spokesperson directives concluded his speech with applause marking transition stage introduction key figure next session summit proceedings set motion pivotal discussions strategies combatting menace posed illicit trade substances worldwide continued collaborative endeavors anticipated moving forward year ahead impactful measures implemented jointly nations globally represented forum high level engagement reaffirming commitment shared goals protecting communities ensuring healthier secure environment concerted action comprehensive approach tackling challenges associated rise synthetic narcotics industry
