EMCDDA Director addresses international conference at the Vatican

EMCDDA Director Alexis Goosdeel will today address an international conference organised by the Vatican: ‘Drugs and addictions: an obstacle to integral human development’.

The three-day event brings together international organisations, experts and representatives of local churches and rehabilitation centres to explore the many facets of the drug phenomenon from an international perspective.On the agenda will be: addictions (internet, gambling, sex); drug use and supply; recent developments in drug policy (particularly relating to cannabis); and the contribution of the Church to addressing addictions. The conference will also provide an occasion to share best practice in drug prevention, education, treatment and rehabilitation.

Mr Goosdeel will speak during a round table on ‘Production, trafficking and consumption of drugs: the situation in the various regions of the world’. His presentation will focus on recent trends and developments and future challenges in the European drug situation and the EMCDDA’s mission tocontribute to a healthier and more secure Europe.

The conference is a direct response to the Pope’s call for resolve in the fight against drugs and an expression of the commitment of the Church to addressing the problem.