Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Section

Youth Forum 2024: Change is the end result of all true learning

March 15th 2024

Just this week, the Youth Forum 2024 took place during 12 – 14 March on the side-lines of the High-level segment of the 67th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). It brought together 35 youths from 27 countries in the United Nations Headquarters in Vienna. Welcoming the youths, Ms. Ghada Waly, Executive Director of UNODC, shared her strong commitment to work with and for youth and encouraged them to make the most out of the 3-days to make their voices be heard and transform their ideas into initiatives. “This is an opportunity to make your voices heard at the highest level and to present your ideas and initiatives directly to policy-makers. In fact, to progress in addressing the world drug problem, we need to see you, listen to you, and work with you. You will be affected the most by the decisions that are made over the next days” she said.

For 3 days, youths attended interactive sessions to enhance their knowledge in evidence-based prevention, grounded in the UNODC/WHO International Standards on Drug use Prevention. Through group activities, the youth learned from each other, sharing their best practices of prevention efforts from their communities, and took notes of cases that did not seem to be effective. With the UNODC Handbook on Youth Participation in Drug Prevention Work, they also participated in interactive discussions on youth engagement in substance use prevention, reflecting on experiences that left meaningful impact on them, and also those that were disempowering. The youths also had the chance to attend high-level side events, observing Member States discuss their accomplishments, challenges, and call for actions to work together in addressing the world drug problem.

A unique opportunity of the Youth Forum also lies in addressing global policy makers attending CND, which this year, was particular high-levelled with the 2024 Mid-term Review. Youths jointly drafted their key messages they wanted to convey to policy makers; and even showcased high commitment to ensure it would be their own words, extending their discussions past the dedicated time. Youth leaders delivered their Youth Statement on the first day of the High-Level segment of the 67^th CND during the Plenary session. “We understand that resources are scarce, and emphasize the pivotal role that evidence-based prevention can play to ensure a maximal effective result, and foster a foundation for long-term social well-being and individual flourishing.” Youth called on policy-makers to base their decision on science, and to invest in strategies that will bring effective results.

They further went on to emphasize the importance of young people being included not only in policy discussions, but also prevention interventions themselves. “Our call is for Member States to help us in: building the foundations for structured and systematic youth-led action; providing infrastructure, opportunities and conditions to equally empower youth to make informed and consent-based decisions; and implementing prevention efforts regardless of abilities, languages, and cultural differences”. They passionately ended their statement with a call to Member States to support youths in becoming positive changemakers for future generations: “Passion moves hearts, support moves hands. We have the passion, the heart and the hands: give us the support and change will happen.

UNODC extends heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to the Youth Forum 2024 participants, for all of their engagement and contribution to the meaningful discussions during the Youth Forum, which culminated to their Youth Statement. UNODC hopes that the key messages of evidence-based prevention have resonated with youth participants, and that they will go on to disseminate the important ‘Aha’ moments they had during the 3 days. The Youth Forum will continue to provide the floor to youth voices, enabling them to discuss and exchange ideas, perspectives and best practices, and UNODC remains committed to supporting youths in promoting and creating a more enabling environment of growth for the youth of today and tomorrow.

Read the Youth Statement below, and click here for more information about the Youth Forum 2024.

Youth Statement 2024 at the Opening Ceremony of the 67th Session of the CND

Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,

We stand before you today as 35 youths from 27 countries, noting with great concern the issue of substance use and the grave consequences which it brings. Substance use is not only detrimental to individual health and well-being, but it also worsens many aspects of our society. Our commitment to substance use prevention can ensure better health outcomes, reduced poverty rates and social stability.

We bring forth the significance of addressing the root causes and vulnerabilities behind substance use to effectively implement sustainable solutions. We understand that resources are scarce, and emphasize the pivotal role that evidence-based prevention can play to ensure a maximal effective result, and foster a foundation for long-term social well-being and individual flourishing.

In the context of substance use prevention, an approach based on evidence can and will, give us guidance and support to achieve our goal. By prioritizing early prevention initiatives that foster healthy development, global productivity and prosperity can be increased to ensure sustainable creation of healthier lifestyles. In this process, no one should be left behind.

Witnessing the detrimental impact of substance use on our peers has reminded us of the urgent need for action. Ensuring youth engagement in evidence-based substance use prevention can catalyse positive change, injecting fresh perspectives into the veins of our society. By providing youths with various leadership roles, skills development and peer support networks through youth-led organisations, peer-to-peer education, mentorship, and social media, we can pave the way for a better tomorrow.

Youth can be a powerful source of empathy and support for the community. Yet, without your support, this is not enough. So we call on you, decision-makers, to put yourselves into our shoes, and when signing each drug-related policy, picture how it feels to be young and see our futures fall to conditions and situations that we cannot control.

We urge Member States to increase youth engagement in science-based prevention interventions. It is your responsibility to reduce the power dynamics between young people and adults, ensuring that we feel empowered to act as your equal counterparts. To do so, we must be provided with a socially relevant platform - a voice of our own, through which we can finally make ourselves be heard.

Our call is for Member States to help us in: building the foundations for structured and systematic youth-led action; providing infrastructure, opportunities and conditions to equally empower youth to make informed and consent-based decisions; and implementing prevention efforts regardless of abilities, languages, and cultural differences. We urge decision-makers to closely collaborate with local NGOs, social groups, schools and universities to provide substantial support, such as but not limited to, funding, knowledge and skills.

Our message and call to action is to prioritise drug use prevention, especially among youths, and to invest in evidence-based, early, and youth-centred prevention strategies. By working together and empowering young people to care for health and well-being, we can create a brighter and healthier future for all.

Passion moves hearts, support moves hands. We have the passion, the heart and the hands: give us the support and change will happen.

United Nations

Office on Drugs and Crime

Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Section

Youth Forum 2024: Change is the end result of all true learning

March 15th 2024

Youth Statement 2024 at the Opening Ceremony of the 67th Session of the CND