China, 29 November 2024 - From the scenic landscapes of Chengdu to the vibrant student culture festival in Yibin, a group of young leaders from six Mekong countries is embarking on a journey to shape the future of drug use prevention. A youth study visit on drug use prevention initiatives, held in China from 25–29 November 2024, served a platform for youth representatives to learn, share, and inspire one another in the collective effort to prevent drug use and trafficking.
During the visit, participants dived into China’s innovative strategies to address the drug problem. Highlights included a demonstration of the role a narcotic laboratory plays in drug prevention and monitoring, a visit to the Drug Control Education Center of Chenghua District of Chengdu where drug use prevention and education activities are carried out at the community level, and interactive workshops at Huaxi Middle School and Yibin University, where they experienced how schools and universities engage students in drug use prevention activities.
They also experienced cultural exchanges, which included flash performances and a drug control art competition that showcased creativity as a tool for promoting healthier and safer choices. Moreover, the group received training on the UNODC-WHO International Standards on Drug Use Prevention, which focuses on prevention as a developmental issue. Unpacking what the standards outline, participants discussed how parenting and family skills, life and social skills, community-based initiatives, and media initiatives play a key role in prevention.
A crisis calls for youth-led action
The Mekong region—encompassing Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam—faces challenges with synthetic drug trafficking and use. Recognizing the urgent need for fresh perspectives, the National Narcotics Control Commission of China launched the joint initiative for addressing synthetic drug problems in September 2023. The initiative is being implemented under the Mekong MoU with technical support from UNODC and consists of three prioritized working groups. This study visit was the first activity organized under the working group on prevention education and focused on putting youth at the center of the solution, empowering them to address this issue with evidence-based approaches and grassroots action.
Drug prevention is more than just awareness raising; it’s about strengthening the factors which protect children and youth by building their resilience, and involves a movement that requires collaboration, empathy, and innovation. Rooted in scientific evidence and a deep understanding of the risk and protective factors influencing people’s behaviour, prevention looks at vulnerabilities people face and proposes a comprehensive approach to addressing these concerns. This visit emphasizes a holistic approach, blending education, community action, and cultural exchange. Participants learned that by involving youth in every step of the process—from policy discussions to grassroots implementation—society can pave the way for sustainable change.
Youth as ambassadors for a healthy and thriving future
What sets this study visit apart is its focus on creating youth ambassadors. Each participant developed actionable plans to bring back to their communities. Through their shared experiences, they will inspire networks of change-makers who believe in the power of prevention.
Click here to learn more about Drug Prevention.
Click here to learn more about the Mekong MoU.
