Samarkand is hosting the International Forum on “Countering transnational drug threats to public health and security” on April 20–21, 2026. The forum is being held in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and is taking place at the Silk Road Samarkand complex. Official forum materials highlight that its main purpose is to consolidate international efforts to counter illicit drug trafficking, reduce drug demand, and strengthen public health and safety.

The forum has drawn broad international participation. According to Uzbek official reporting, representatives of more than 20 international organizations, heads of law enforcement agencies from nearly 50 countries, and more than 500 international experts and specialists are taking part. The opening was attended by Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan, who read out an address from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the participants. 

The official message sent by President Mirziyoyev and read at the opening framed drug trafficking as a growing threat to both public health and security. The address pointed to the spread of drug-related crime,........

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