During ECOSOC Partnership Forum held in January 2023, Anthony Abi Zeid, Head of Programs at Mentor Arabia, was invited to speak at a side event organised by two leading drug policy umbrella organisations for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) – the New York & Vienna NGO Committees on Drugs. This side event highlighted the important role of civil society in delivering services for people who use drugs and ensuring the implementation of international joint drug policy commitments, even in difficult circumstances. Looking at best practice examples from across the world, this event drew attention to the need for strong partnerships between civil society, member states and international organizations.