Reception in Vienna for Prof. Sevil Atasoy…

Türkiye's Permanent Representation to the United Nations (UN) Office at Vienna held a reception in Vienna on the occasion of Üsküdar University Vice Rector Prof. Sevil Atasoy's re-candidacy for the Presidency of the UN International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). At the event, held with international participation, attention was drawn to the current challenges of the international drug control system and Atasoy's role in this field.

The reception, held at the Embassy residence in Vienna, was attended by Ambassador Levent Eler, Permanent Representative of Türkiye to the UN Office at Vienna, Ambassador Zeynep Kızıltan, Permanent Representative to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Ambassador Mehmet Güllüoğlu, Vice President of Yeşilay, as well as diplomatic representatives from many countries.

Ambassador Levent Eler: "In challenging times, members like you are needed"

Speaking at the program, Ambassador Levent Eler stated that the event was organized on the occasion of Prof. Sevil Atasoy's re-candidacy for the INCB Presidency. Eler stated that he has known Atasoy for a long time, first meeting her during his tenure in New York, and that Atasoy was known at that time as an internationally recognized scientist, forensic expert, and biochemist.

Eler pointed out that INCB plays an important role in the international drug control system, and stated that Atasoy stands out not only with her scientific expertise but also with her competence in communication, advocacy, and international law.

Expressing Türkiye's great satisfaction with Atasoy's re-candidacy, Eler said, "In these challenging times, there is a need for experts, talented people like you, members like you."

Even more meaningful in a period of uncertainties…

INCB President Prof. Sevil Atasoy, in her speech, thanked the diplomatic representatives who attended the invitation, stating that meeting in Vienna demonstrates the importance of multilateral dialogue and cooperation.

Atasoy stated that serving as INCB President is an important responsibility for her, and noted that this role gains even more significance in a period of rapid changes and uncertainties.

The reliability and stability of institutions are of great importance!

Prof. Atasoy stated, "The international drug control system today faces more complex and rapidly evolving challenges than ever before," underlining that the spread of synthetic drugs, the diversification of chemical substances, and the transformation of drug trafficking by digital platforms create new challenges for the international system, and emphasized that the reliability and stability of institutions are of great importance in this process.

Priority: early warning and international cooperation

Atasoy stated that during her presidency, she adopted as a core principle the preservation of the Board's technical integrity, independence, and consensus-based structure, and pointed out that the board should never become politicized or detached from the realities on the ground.

Atasoy also conveyed that in the coming period, strengthening analytical tools for synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals, developing early warning and information sharing mechanisms, and increasing dialogue with member states are among the priority issues.

INCB President Atasoy also stated that she is determined to serve the international community on the basis of independence, balance, and respect for all member states.