This joint project led by TNI and the International Drug Policy Consortium aims to promote an evidence-based and best practice approach to policy making in the field of drugs. The international drug control framework based on a restrictive interpretation of the UN drug conventions is often a barrier to innovative and effective drug policies. Objective and open debate is hampered by polarized ideological positions of a ‘war on drugs’ versus legalization. This dichotomy obscures the fact that much experience has been gained regarding more innovative and less repressive approaches. This project aims to generate discussion and support effective and humane approaches through a series of expert seminars, informal dialogues and specific briefings on legislative issues and alternative control measures.