The event was organized by the Agency for Control of Narcotics and Firearms under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The forum brought together representatives of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan, law enforcement agencies from Central Asian countries, Azerbaijan, and Russia, as well as international organizations, including the OSCE, CARICC, WHO, the European Union, INTERPOL, the SCO, and the CIS, alongside members of the diplomatic corps. In total, more than 500 delegates from 50 countries participated.

Discussions focused on current global and regional trends in illicit drug trafficking, measures to prevent drug use among youth, the development of treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration systems, and the application of digital technologies in countering drug-related threats.

Speakers emphasized the need to move beyond predominantly enforcement-based approaches toward a comprehensive strategy aimed at dismantling the financial foundations of drug crime and expanding the use of artificial intelligence tools.

Participants underlined that effective responses to drug threats require coordinated international action, harmonization of law enforcement approaches, and prompt interagency data exchange.

The importance of enhancing regional expert and research cooperation in Central Asia was also highlighted, including through closer collaboration among think tanks and research institutions to develop coordinated policy recommendations.

The Forum concluded with the adoption of the Samarkand Declaration, which formalizes a shift toward a new strategy to combat drug trafficking—focused on enhanced international cooperation, disruption of illicit financial flows, expanded prevention and rehabilitation efforts, and the integration of digital technologies.