“I’m incredibly proud of what we built” — Ann Fordham on Leaving IDPC After 17 Years

After 15 years at the helm of the International Drug Policy Consortium, Ann Fordham is stepping down as Executive Director. Under her leadership, IDPC has grown into one of the most influential global networks advocating for drug policies grounded in human rights, public health, and social justice. In this interview, we reflect on IDPC's achievements, ongoing challenges, and what lies ahead.

00:00 Intro
00:40 How was the drug policy debate when you first joined IDPC in 2008, compared to today?
03:26 Can you tell me the story of IDPC and how you came to work there?
07:22 What do you consider the greatest achievements of the last 15 years?
09:19 How hard was it to change the climate of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs from a hostile to a more friendly place?
12:25 Do you feel that UN agencies and member states recognise IDPC's achievements?
14:11 Another effort from civil society was to bring human rights language into the discussions here. Do you think we were successful in doing that?
15:49 Do you have any regrets, or anything you would do differently today?
17:32 After so many years, why did you decide to resign now?
18:50 What message would you send to member states interested in reforming their drug policies?

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