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For more than fifty years, the world has faced a series of grave challenges, from the spread of communism and moral relativism to illegal migration and economic stagnation. Yet one threat cuts across borders, societies, and political systems: the global drug epidemic. Illegal narcotics continue to destroy families, weaken communities, endanger youth, and undermine the basic foundations of civilization.

In many countries, determination has begun to give way to resignation. The belief that a “war on drugs” is unwinnable has taken root, and several states have moved toward full decriminalization, allowing individuals to act without accountability for the wider social impact. The scale of the crisis, however, demands renewed courage and a coordinated international response.

The MCC Budapest Summit on the Global Drug Epidemic, taking place on November 18–20, 2025, will gather leading policymakers, experts, law enforcement officials, and frontline practitioners to examine the true scope of the narcotics crisis and present realistic strategies to confront it. The first two days of the conference will be held in Budapest, followed by a third day of regional programming across MCC’s Regional Centers in the Carpathian Basin.

The event will explore the social, economic, and security dimensions of the illegal drug trade. Key questions include how cross-border trafficking can be stopped more effectively, and how targeted education and stable family backgrounds can protect younger generations from addiction and exploitation.

Among the confirmed speakers for 2025:

  • Alex Berenson – Writer and Former New York Times investigative reporter
  • Kevin Sabet – President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana
  • Martin Verrier – Secretary of State for the Fight Against Drugs and Organized Crime in Argentina

The MCC Budapest Summit builds on Mathias Corvinus Collegium’s expanding role as a forum for international dialogue on key public policy issues. MCC is the largest talent development institution in Hungary, educating thousands of students and engaging researchers across the Carpathian Basin. Over the past 25 years, it has become a respected partner for leading universities, scholars, and NGOs, and a growing center for conferences that address some of the most urgent questions facing modern societies.

 

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