The 48th Colombo Plan Consultative Committee Meeting (CCM 48) is All-Set to Convene in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia this May, 2024.

The Colombo Plan Secretariat is pleased to announce that the 48th Consultative Committee Meeting (“48th CCM”) is scheduled to take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from the 29th to 31st of May 2024. The Government of Mongolia through its Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs (MoJHA) is hosting the event. MoJHA has confirmed that the inaugural ceremony on May 30, 2024 will be graced by the esteemed presence of H.E. Khurelsukh U., President of Mongolia, while the Honorable Oyun-Erdene, Prime Minister of Mongolia, will attend the closing program on May 31, 2024. Participants will also get to experience the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of Mongolia in an arranged tour after the CCM.

The objectives of the meeting of the Committee are:

• the discussion of how available resources can best be used in furtherance of the objectives of the Colombo Plan;
• the assessment and evaluation of technical co-operation programmes within the region;
• the review of the activities of the Colombo Plan organs; and
• the taking of decisions about the organization of Committee proceedings and other questions relating to the Colombo Plan.

An outline to the proceedings at the 48th Colombo Plan Consultative Committee Meeting (CCM 48) – The Agenda

The agenda for CCM 48 is multifaceted, in accordance with the comprehensive mandate of the Colombo Plan Consultative Committee. Participants will engage in a thorough review of economic and social progress since the last CCM, and discussions will focus on future priorities, resource optimization strategies, and the enhancement of technical cooperation programmes for optimal impact.

The Consultative Committee will also conduct a comprehensive review of the activities of the Colombo Plan Programmes, including the:

• Drug Advisory Programme (CPDAP) – The Colombo Plan’s flagship programme
• Maritime Advisory Programme (CPMAP) – The Colombo Plan’s newest programme
• Capacity Building Programme (CPCBP)
• Programme for Environment and Climate Change.

Mongolia announces theme for the 2024 Consultative Committee Meeting

The country theme selected by the Government of Mongolia for the 48th CCM is, A special focus of CCM 48 will be the exploration of a timely issue reflected in the special issue paper titled: "Envisioning a region with joint forces against drugs: stronger through prevention and treatment". With a spotlight on the family as the nucleus of prevention efforts and treatment interventions for substance use disorders, the Government of Mongolia aims to catalyse impactful strategies in combating this global challenge.

Here is a snapshot of the special issue paper to be tabled at the upcoming CCM 48:

• Mongolia has been actively involved in combating illicit drug trafficking since the early 1990s, aligning with international conventions and enacting relevant laws.
• Existing surveys reveal root causes of drug initiation, including neglect, family environment, and peer influence, prompting the government to enact laws addressing these issues.
• Mongolia emphasizes prevention through laws regulating alcohol and smoking, child protection, and plans for a revised Law on Family to address root causes of substance abuse.
• Collaboration with organisations like the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme is proposed to train practitioners in evidence-based interventions and treatment strategies.

The Colombo Plan 48th Consultative Committee Meeting

The Colombo Plan Consultative Committee (the “Committee”) comprises all member governments of The Colombo Plan (the “Organization”) and is its highest review and policy-making body. The Committee’s biennial meeting, the Consultative Committee Meeting (CCM), provides a forum for the exchange of views on progress in terms of economic, social and technical cooperation since the previous CCM, as well as future plans and priority areas of action for the Organization in the next two years.

The Colombo Plan Secretariat is pleased to announce that the 48^th Consultative Committee Meeting (“48^th CCM”) is scheduled to take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from the 29^th to 31^st of May 2024. The Government of Mongolia through its Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs (MoJHA) is hosting the event. MoJHA has confirmed that the inaugural ceremony on May 30, 2024 will be graced by the esteemed presence of H.E. Khurelsukh U., President of Mongolia, while the Honorable Oyun-Erdene, Prime Minister of Mongolia, will attend the closing program on May 31, 2024. Participants will also get to experience the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of Mongolia in an arranged tour after the CCM.

The country theme selected by the Government of Mongolia for the 48^th CCM is, “Towards a Drug-free Mongolia: Stronger Through Prevention and Treatment”.

The Colombo Plan welcomes its member countries’ participation at the 48^th CCM. The presence of Member State Ministers, The Colombo Plan Council Representatives and National Focal Points on Substance Use Prevention would play a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for promising future initiatives for The Colombo Plan.

Participants are requested to complete their registration on or before the 7^th of May 2024.

яв Монгол! (Go, Mongolia!)

Invitation to Member States of the Southeast Asia Regional Group to Host the 49th CCM

The Secretariat wishes to announce that the Southeast Asia Regional Group of The Colombo Plan will assume the responsibility of hosting the 49th Colombo Plan Consultative Committee Meeting (CCM) in 2026. Please refer to the table below for the categorization of the list of the Colombo Plan Regional Groups.

As is customary, the Leader of the Delegation of the next Host Government typically assumes the role of Deputy Chairperson of the current CCM. Member States from the Southeast Asia Regional Group are respectfully urged to communicate their interest to host the upcoming 49th CCM in 2026 before or during the 48th CCM.