The UNODC Youth Forum 2023 concluded with success last week in conjunction with the 66th Session of the Commission, with 34 youths from 28 countries gathering together for the first in-person Youth Forum since the pre-pandemic times. Ms. Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the UNODC, warmly welcomed the youth leaders to the home of UNODC in Vienna, and urged them to capitalize on the opportunity to learn about evidence-based drug use prevention and connect and share ideas with each other, and be empowered to become active in their schools, communities and youth groups for substance use prevention and health promotion. “I call on each one of you to keep caring, keep working, and keep innovating,” she said.
During 13 – 15 March, youths actively participated in thematic discussions to enhance their knowledge in substance use prevention, engaged in interactive discussions, and learned best practices from each other’s countries to gain ideas and inspirations of their own. Youths were also encouraged to brainstorm on how they could be better involved in drug use prevention efforts, and participated in different scenarios that required collective discussions and thoughts to best address the various challenges and circumstances. Throughout the Youth Forum, the youth participants also had the chance to attend various side events (just as any other adult policy maker or stakeholder attending CND would!) to gain insight on recent trends and latest discussions surrounding substance use and its prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation approaches. The young leaders also jointly developed their Youth Statement, which was delivered during the Plenary session of the 66th CND.
On 15 March, the youths ingrained a memorable impression with their powerful and compelling Statement on the global policy makers and delegations from various Member States, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations attending the 66th CND. They highlighted the importance of preventing substance use, and asserted that raising awareness and passively disseminating information was not enough. “We should strive to achieve a healthy, equal, and sustainable society through commitment, perseverance, and strategic evidence-based programmes,” they said. The young leaders also urged Member States to consult with youths, and to value youth engagement in order to make prevention effective; “Young people offer unique insight into constantly evolving substance use issues, foster borderless interconnected awareness, and ensure long-term sustainability.” After their delivery, the youth were met with appreciation from the audience, and the Chair of CND thanked the youths for their intervention and for reminding the adult policymakers in attendance, for whom we are all working for – the youths and their future.
As we start off the new decade of Youth Initiative with the Youth Forum 2023, UNODC is determined to work with youth to invest in their development, and looks forward to working together with youth as partners for healthier communities and a healthier tomorrow. The Youth Forum will continue to serve as a platform for youth to exchange ideas, perspectives, and visions on how to safeguard the health and well-being of their peers, as called for by Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.5. We hope that the Youth Forum laid the foundation for continued learning and growth for all young leaders that were with us in Vienna.
Read the Youth Statement below, and
here for more information about the Youth Forum 2023.
