Youth Initiative

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UNODC Youth Initiative

UNODC Youth Forum Alumna Speaks at ECOSOC Youth Forum 2025

UNODC Youth Initiative

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UNODC Youth Initiative

UNODC Youth Initiative aims to connect young people from around the globe and empower them to become active in their schools, communities and youth groups for substance use prevention and health promotion. It provides a platform for youth to share their experiences, ideas and creativity, and to get support for creating their own substance use prevention and health promotion activities.

The United Nations is committed to empowering youth and ensuring youth engagement at all levels. In the context of substance use prevention, Youth Initiative provides youth with possibilities to participate and become active members of a community of young people committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of their peers.

“A Decade of Action, which is not much time, but I have confidence that with young people like yourselves we can make it."

UNODC Executive Director, Ms. Ghada Waly

Since 2012, the UNODC Youth Initiative connects youth around the globe and empowers them to become active in their schools and communities to advocate for evidence-based substance use prevention and health promotion. In celebration of 10 years since its launch, UNODC reaffirms its commitment to support meaningful youth engagement in addressing the world drug problem. Watch the video above for a dash of inspiration of your day.