The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office for Central Asia is proud to launch a regional youth competition in commemoration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day). This competition aims to engage young people across Central Asia in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by drug abuse through creative expression and innovative solutions. Young people are invited to express their most creative ideas and solutions for drug use prevention among youth.
Background information
The number of drug users has increased by 20% over the past decade, with cannabis being the most widely used drug. Despite 64 million people suffering from drug use disorders, only one in 11 receives treatment, and women receive less access. In 2022, 7 million people were in police custody for drug offenses, with 2.7 million prosecuted and over 1.6 million convicted globally[1]. The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observed annually on 26 June, serves as a platform to raise awareness, advocate for prevention efforts, and promote evidence-based policymaking to combat the scourge of drugs.
Central Asia stands at a crossroads, poised for positive change in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. As we unite in solidarity, let us harness the potential of Central Asian youth to drive solutions and create a future free from the impact of drugs. Together, we can build resilient communities and empower individuals to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Join us as we embark on this journey of hope and transformation, shaping a brighter tomorrow for Central Asia and beyond.
Through this youth competition, UNODC aims to empower young people to become agents of change in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. By harnessing their creativity, passion, and commitment, we can collectively work towards creating a drug-free future for generations to come.
“We believe that youth associations can ignite a new spark towards building a healthy society. We believe that education is an integral part of the development of the country's economy and well-being of its people. We are convinced that young people who have knowledge and take an active civic position are not inherent in the manifestation of crime and delinquency.”
Ms. Ashita Mittal, UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia.
Theme
The theme for this year's World Drug Day and our competition is "The evidence is clear: invest in prevention." Young people play a pivotal role in shaping the future of their communities and society at large. Through their creativity, passion, and dedication, youth can drive positive change and contribute to building resilient and drug-free societies.
Objectives
Categories
Participants should answer the question “How can young people creatively contribute to drug use prevention among youth?” and can submit their works in the following categories:
Prizes
One winner from each of the five countries of the region will be selected in each category. Prizes include tablets, headphones, and speakers for winners, providing valuable tools to support their continued efforts in advocating creatively for drug-free communities.
Eligibility
Submission requirements
Originality: works must be prepared solely by the participant, without using any AI tools.
Language: submissions can be in English or Russian.
Non-publication: works should not have been submitted for publication elsewhere.
Copyright: participants must have the necessary rights, licenses, consents, and permissions for all materials used in their submission. UNODC reserves the right to use the content in its published form, in whole or in part.
Summary: each submission must be accompanied by a 150–300-word summary outlining the background, objectives, and idea.
To ensure that submissions effectively convey the theme of this competition and adhere to the objectives of the UNODC/WHO International Standards on Drug Use Prevention, participants are requested to follow these guidelines:
Message clarity and relevance: submissions should provide clear, accurate messages about drug use prevention. Participants are encouraged to focus on innovative and evidence-based approaches that align with the UNODC/WHO International Standards on Drug Use Prevention. The work should specifically address how youth can prevent drug use among their peers, utilizing creative methods suited to the regional context.
Avoiding vague expressions: submissions should avoid generic slogans such as "No to drugs", and others. Instead, participants should articulate specific strategies, actions, and messages that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of drug prevention.
Adherence to the theme and question: it is imperative that all works strictly adhere to the competition's theme "The evidence is clear: invest in prevention" and the question “How can young people creatively contribute to drug use prevention among youth?” This means that the focus should be on evidence-based strategies and preventive measures that align with the UNODC/WHO International Standards on Drug Use Prevention. Participants should ensure their submissions highlight practical, real-world applications of these strategies within their communities.
Creative and youth-focused solutions: participants are encouraged to propose creative solutions and ideas that resonate with youth. The work should reflect innovative thinking and practical approaches to preventing drug use. The emphasis should be on actions that can be implemented by youth, for youth, and among youth, fostering a peer-led movement against drug use.
Selection criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Understanding of the issue and solutions:
2. Adherence to World Drug Day's theme:
3. Creativity and innovation:
4. Clarity and presentation:
5. Originality and integrity:
6. Impact and engagement:
7. Educational value:
8. Technical quality:
Submission process
Participants can submit their works by completing the registration form provided by the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia. The deadline for submissions is 31 July 2024, at 23:59 Tashkent time.
The results and names of the winners will be announced on International Youth Day, 12 August, on the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia’s platforms.
For inquiries and further information, please contact:
• Ms. Shakhnoza Ganieva - shakhnoza.ganieva@un.org
• Mr. Shukurgeldi Myradov – shukurgeldi.myradov@gmail.com
[1]World Drug Report 2024, https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/WDR_2024/WDR_2024_SPI.pdf
