SSDP European Regional Conference

Events

SSDP European Regional Conference

28 September 2018

Recognizing our common goals of developing drug policies that are based on evidence, health, and human rights principles, we would like to invite all SSDP members and allies in the European drug policy community to join us in Vienna for the first ever SSDP European Regional Conference.

The two-day conference will strengthen our community of activists, advocates, and young people in Europe working on drug policy and intersecting issues by answering questions such as:

-What is the history of drug prohibition in Europe and around the world, and what is the status of these policies today?
-How do drug policies impact people who use drugs and other marginalized communities?
-How do global trends in drug policy reflect on local and national levels?
-How do "bottom-up" changes in policy influence the future of politics?
-How are relevant organizations, groups, and networks dealing with new changes in drug policy?
-What challenges and opportunities lie ahead and how can we tackle them together?
-How can you make an impact on the process?

To cover these questions, the weekend will consist of educational lectures, interactive workshops, and other impactful activities designed to equip attendees with practical knowledge on policymaking, global and regional drug policy issues, and the risks/benefits of drug use. Our goal is to empower our community to constructively engage in the political process and open a dialogue that fosters a rational and evidence-based approach to the inevitable changes in drug regulation.

Schedule Preview:

DAY 1
9:00 - 9:45 Breakfast
9:45 - 10:00 Opening remarks by Jake Agliata and Orsi Feher
10:00 - 11:30 Drug Policy Essentials
-15 minute break-
11:45 - 12:30 Drug Policies and Marginalized Communities
12:30 - 14:00 Lunch (on your own)
14:00 - 14:45 Harm Reduction Essentials
-15 minute break-
15:00 - 15:45 What's Next in Global Drug Policy?
-15 minute break-
16:00 - 16:45 Keynote Speaker (TBA)
16:45 - 17:00 Closing Remarks
We will have a social event in the evening, location to be announced at the end of Day 1.

DAY 2
(We are still confirming activities for the morning of Day 2, but you will have a choice of two interactive events.)
11:30 - 13:00 Roundtable Discussions
13:00 - 14:30 Lunch
14:30 - 15:30 Roundtable Discussions
-15 Minute Break-
15:45 - 16:15 Roundtables' Bringback Session
16:20 Closing Remarks
16:30 Optional Storytelling (end time open ended)