The CSIDP Conference will bring civil society organisations, national and European policy makers, and other stakeholders to discuss the importance of civil society’s involvement in drug policy for the first time. The conference will present the level of participation in European Member States, provide models of good practice and critically discuss potential bottlenecks and shortcomings. The following questions will be addressed: Why is civil society involvement important? What has been achieved so far? How can civil society’s involvement be improved? What are the main principles for meaningful participation, and what is needed at the European, national, and local levels?

The two Civil Society Fora – the one on Drugs and the one on HIV, Hepatitis and Tuberculosis – will present their activities on European and international levels. Relevant stakeholders, including governmental officials and civil society representatives, will share different approaches and perspectives. Interactive sessions will enable the participants to discuss civil society’s role and limitations and inspire each other to improve cooperation and the dialogue between civil society and policymakers.

Presentations:
Civil Society Involvement at the UN Level. Does it work? – Jamie Bridge [IDPC]
Funding Gap in Romania – Alina Bocai [ARAS]
Promoting Democracy, Improving Government, Renewing Trust – Lucy McTernan [OGP]
Encouraging Examples in Drug Policy – Manuel Cardoso [SICAD]
Roadmap Presentation – Marcus Keane [ALDP]
Assessment Report – Harald Lahuse, Marcus Martnes ,Uwe Verthein [ZIS Hamburg]