Youth from all over the world make their statement at the 55 ^th Commission On Narcotic Drugs

16 March 2012, Vienna, Austria: "Think ahead, act in longer terms, and let us not fail". These were a few of the messages presented by the Youth Initiative during the 55 ^th Commission on Narcotic Drugs, held in Vienna, Austria, from 12 to 16 March.

Gathered since Monday 12, the 20 young persons from 7 different countries which included Pakistan as well, and from the Vienna International School had the opportunity to exchange opinions and experiences, and analyze together the situation of drug use, prevention and treatment in their communities. Based on this they produced two statements, and addressed representatives from Civil Society, Governments and the United Nations with their hopes, dreams, and personal commitment for action.

The Youth Initiative was officially launched during the CND side event 'Mobilizing for Prevention of Drug Use: the Development of International Prevention Standards and the Youth Initiative.'

The high point of the Youth Initiative participation in the CND was on Wednesday morning, when they addressed the plenary of the Commission, duri ng the official meeting on the ' Implementation of the Political Declaration and Plan of Action on International Cooperation towards integrated and Balanced Strategy to Counter the World Problem - demand reduction and related measures'.

In their messages, these young persons called upon Governments to support and act on drug abuse prevention and treatment. They pledged the policy makers to think future generations and commit themselves on availing education to parents, teachers, and youth, and offering not just information and understanding but also skills, such as resilience skills, social skills, critical thinking, parenting skills, and utilizing interactive methods and various learning environments. Further more they called upon governments to stop stigmatizing drug users and enhancing their efforts to reduce drug availability. They dreamed of societies offeri ng schooling, healthcare and social support to all youth and to all families, enabling the families to offer love and support within one another. The young persons committed themselves to use the social media to mobilize youth around the globe, to raise awareness and to serve as role models, and support the CND in all the ways they can.

After the Plenary, Youth met with UNODC Executive Director

Thrilled with the oppo rtunity to speak directly to the executive director for over 30 minutes, youngsters shared views, experiences, hopes, and commitments regarding the Youth Initiative and drug abuse prevention. Asked about what he believed he could learn from them, Mr. Yury Fedotov said: "We need fresh ideas, and you are the ones who have them."

The Youth Initiative was created at the request of the Executive Director of UNODC by the Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Section (PTRS) to engage and empow er young people to reflect on the effects of substance use in their schools and communities and to start taking action against it. The Initiative is connecting youth globally through social media to discuss, inspire, and learn from each other on the ways of promoting healthy lifestyles and start creating activities mobilizing their peers, families, schools, and communities.