It's been promoted as a once in a generation chance to end the war on drugs, but those hoping for reform now say it'll take a miracle to get change.
So are we about to miss a golden opportunity? Or dodge a terrible mistake?
Kiwi entrepreneur Derek Handley made millions in mobile phone advertising, but now he's working with the likes of Richard Branson using business skills to effect social change.
He's in New York pushing drug reform, as is the chair of the New Zealand Drug Foundation Tuari Potiki, who has the rare honour of addressing the general assembly.
Watch the video for the full interview.
