Abinader says UN Anti-Drug Office candidacy still under review

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader announced on Monday that the Dominican government has not yet selected a candidate to lead the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), despite a recent proposal from the United States.

Speaking during his weekly “La Semanal” meeting in Santiago, Abinader explained that consultations are ongoing with the U.S. and other allied nations due to the critical role the position plays in combating drug trafficking, crime, and delinquency.

The U.S. Department of State, through Rebecca Márquez, director of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, suggested the Dominican Republic put forward a nominee in recognition of its strong track record in drug control and organized crime prevention. The current UNODC Executive Director, Ghada Waly, will leave office in November 2025.