In close cooperation with Iranian authorities, the programme aims at combating drugs through three different approaches, namely border management, drug demand reduction and HIV control, and crime, justice and corruption. Also, strengthened regional cooperation between the governments of Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan in the fight against drugs is an important element of the programme.
The increased use of drugs poses a global challenge, and Norway therefore has chosen to step up its cooperation with UNODC and Iranian authorities in this field. Norway has been a major donor to UNODC globally for several years, which is an expression of the fact that drugs and international crime pose a global challenge.