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Rabat – The United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) has elected Moroccan expert Khalid Tinasti to join a new panel of independent experts tasked with rethinking global drug policy. CND announced the decision during its 69th session in Vienna.
The panel, created under Resolution 68/6, includes 19 members from around the world. Its mission is to deliver concrete recommendations by 2027 on the future of the international drug control system. This is a rare initiative, as the current global framework has remained largely unchanged since the adoption of key UN drug conventions decades ago.
Adopted in March 2025 at the initiative of Colombia, the resolution reflects a shift in diplomatic discussions around drug policy. The panel has both a technical and political mandate to assess the limits of the current system and suggest reforms, while keeping the core structure of the three international drug control conventions intact.
At 40 years old, Tinasti represents a new generation of policymakers shaping global debates. Originally from Casablanca, he studied in Paris and is now based in Geneva. Over the years, he has built a strong reputation in international public policy.
He previously led the Global Commission on Drug Policy for nearly a decade, working alongside former world leaders such as Kofi Annan, Juan Manuel Santos, and Olusegun Obasanjo. He also headed the Climate Overshoot Commission, chaired by Pascal Lamy.
Tinasti has been involved in global health efforts as well, serving on the advisory panel of the Robert Carr Fund, which supports vulnerable communities affected by HIV. He is also part of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation network that promotes emerging African leaders.
His work has been published in leading journals such as The Lancet and Addiction. He is also the author of a major reference book on international drug policy and teaches at institutions in Geneva, including the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies.
Tinasti’s appointment comes as Morocco continues to play a growing role in international drug policy discussions. The country became the first in the MENA region to legalize cannabis for medical and industrial use under Law 13-21.
Tinasti has contributed to these national discussions, offering expertise on how global conventions can be interpreted to support reform. His new role at the UN panel places him at the center of efforts to shape the future of global drug policy.
MWN with MAP
