The war on drugs has been a complete and utter failure. But the United States is finally starting to replace this failed war with sensible solutions. Though we still have far to go, President Obama and his administration have made unprecedented moves to address the harms of the drug war, reduce mass incarceration and fix our broken criminal justice system.

Times are changing, but unfortunately we are still bound to punitive international drug treaties that are stuck in the past. But one meeting in April could change the direction of drug policy forever.

It’s called UNGASS – the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Drugs – a rare and significant international meeting on drug policy happening this April 19-21 in New York.

A UN Special Session on drugs has only taken place a handful of times – all during eras of drug war hysteria. At the last one in 1998, the international community met under the slogan "A drug free world - We can do it!" and leaders including President Bill Clinton perpetuated the same old drug policies that have failed us. Fortunately, we've come a long way since then.

Now there is a global movement to end the war on drugs. In April, people from all over the world will descend upon New York City to demand change at UNGASS. But the person who could make a huge impact – President Obama – may not even show up!

As the leader of the United States – a country that has exported its failed drug policies around the world for decades – President Obama has a responsibility to speak and steer global drug policy in a new direction.

Sign our petition and urge President Obama to speak at UNGASS 2016. It’s time for the United States to lead the charge for global drug policies grounded in science, compassion, health and human rights.