Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe

To mark World Drug Day, several events were organized by the Uzbek government in cooperation with international organizations. The drawing competition was conducted among 7-9 grades students in 15 regions of Uzbekistan. 15 candidates were nominated for the final stage of competition, out of which three best were selected.  Awarding ceremony held on 22 June in the Republican Youth Art Center. Sayfutdin Aslonov  from  Navoi Region, Lolakhon Yusupova from Khorezm Region and Murodjon Tulkinov from  Tashkent city won the competition. UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia Ms. Ashita Mittal awarded the winners with the tablets provided by UNODC Regional Office.    

Results of video contest on anti-drug issues were summarized before 26 June. Journalists produced video (PSA) with prevention message to young population. Jury consisted of representatives of Ministry of culture, Ministry of Education, National Centre on Drug Control and UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia carefully selected the best video clips on anti-drug issues produced by the young Uzbek journalists who took part in the video contest. 

First prize - a laptop - won the journalist from the Uzbek TV 4 th channel. Awarding ceremony held immediately after the drug burning ceremony in front of government officials, international community and mass media representatives. 

The theme for the 2017 edition of the Day,  Listen First - is an initiative to increase support for prevention of drug use that is based on science and is thus an effective investment in the well-being of children and youth, their families and their communities.