CARICC, CADAP 8 and UNODC delegations discussed new areas of strategic cooperation

A working meeting between delegations of the CARICC, the European Union Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP 8) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) took place in Almaty on 29 June 2026.

During the meeting CARICC Director presented the Centre’s priority areas of activity for 2026–2027 and briefed participants on initiatives aimed at enhancing the Centre’s analytical capabilities, integration of modern digital technologies and artificial intelligence into early warning system for drug threats, development of international information exchange and strengthening of capacity of CARICC participating countries.

Representatives of the CADAP 8 outlined main goals, objectives and implementation mechanisms for the programme’s new phase, underscoring their readiness to support development of regional cooperation and execution of joint projects with CARICC and competent authorities of Central Asian countries.

Participants devoted particular attention to discussing prospects for institutional cooperation between CARICC, CADAP 8 and UNODC. They explored opportunities for establishing a long-term partnership aimed at enhancing effectiveness of efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking, strengthening the region’s analytical and human resource capacities, developing interagency coordination and introducing international best practices.

Parties expressed confidence that agreements reached will contribute to further development of their strategic partnership, strengthening of regional security architecture and consolidation of international measures to counter illicit drug trafficking and related threats.