Strengthening Multilateral Governance in Drug Policy: A Platform for Evidence-Based, Human Rights-Centered Dialogue

The Shattuck Center for Human Rights at Central European University’s Department of Public Policy is delighted to announce the 2025 launch of its new initiative, “Strengthening Multilateral Governance in Drug Policy: A Platform for Evidence-Based, Human Rights-Centered Dialogue”. 

This initiative is designed to foster inclusive, evidence-based dialogue among government representatives, policy professionals, researchers, and other stakeholders engaged in global drug policy. Building on the Shattuck Center’s commitment to advancing social justice and multilateral cooperation, the project will serve as a hub for engagement with cutting-edge research and global policy developments as well as mutual learning and knowledge exchange among Vienna-based permanent missions, international policy actors, and experts in global drug policy. 

The project comes as part of the Center’s recent broadening of scope. Focusing on ongoing knowledge-sharing and collaboration, the goal is to support diplomatic efforts in Vienna and help strengthen multilateral governance in drug policy in line with current UN system recommendations. In doing so, the Shattuck Center seeks to equip staff from permanent missions in Vienna with the information and tools needed to advance policies and programs that are aligned with human rights and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The activities within this project are led by Rebeca Marques Rocha, Shattuck Center fellow and a PhD candidate at CEU’s Doctoral School of Political Science, Public Policy, and International Relations with extensive experience in drug policy research, services delivery and international advocacy. Under the guidance of the Shattuck Center’s director, Martin Kahanec, she will coordinate activities, connect with permanent missions, and support the development of a comprehensive policy linkage database. 

Key activities of the initiative include:

• Organizing a series of public events, workshops, and roundtables focusing on different topics intersecting drug policy.
• Hosting a Summer Policy Lab to connect Permanent Missions in Vienna with local public health services offered in the city.  
• Co-producing research review and evidence syntheses in partnership with relevant actors.
• Coordinating ongoing meetings to promote mutual learning and capacity building among diplomats, experts, and practitioners engaged in drug policy.
  

For updates and more information on upcoming activities, please visit the Shattuck Center for Human Rights website. 

This initiative is made possible with support from the Open Society Foundations (OSF). 

Contact: 
Rebeca Marques Rocha 
Shattuck Center for Human Rights  

Central European University 
marques-rocha_rebeca@phd.ceu.edu