February 24th 2025
For over a decade, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has been at the forefront of empowering young people as agents of change in substance use prevention. Through the UNODC Youth Initiative, young leaders from diverse backgrounds engage with one another in a dynamic platform to learn about evidence-based prevention, exchange ideas, and strengthen their role in shaping a healthier future. A cornerstone of this initiative is the annual UNODC Youth Forum, held in the framework of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), providing young participants with a unique opportunity to contribute to global discussions on drug policy.
What to Expect
Taking place during 10 – 12 March 2025, this year’s Youth Forum will bring together youth from 25 countries, offering them an opportunity to share experiences, explore effective prevention strategies, and shape youth-led discussions and presentations. Their presence and participation reaffirms the United Nation’s and the international community’s recognition of youth engagement as crucial in fostering healthier, more resilient societies. The Youth Forum fosters cross-cultural exchange, collaboration, and meaningful dialogue, ensuring that diverse perspectives contribute to innovative solutions in substance use prevention.
Throughout the three-day forum, participants will engage in expert-led discussions, interactive workshops, and peer learning sessions focused on strengthening their understanding of drug prevention, leadership, and advocacy. A key highlight of the forum will be the development of the Youth Statement, a collective call to action that will be presented at the Plenary of Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), striving to integrate youth perspectives into international drug policy discussions.
Pre-Forum Activities: Laying the Foundation for Meaningful Engagement
In preparation for the Youth Forum, participants are taking part in Pre-Forum Activities, a series of engaging online tasks designed to enhance their understanding of UNODC’s work, introduce them to key concepts in prevention science, and foster connections with fellow participants. These activities serve to prepare young leaders for their in-person engagement, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and tools to contribute effectively during the forum.
Through interactive discussions and networking opportunities, participants will explore fundamental principles of drug prevention, exchange insights from their local contexts, and begin shaping their contributions to the forum. By the time they meet in-person, they will have established a foundation for collaboration, making the Youth Forum an even more impactful experience.
Stay Connected and Follow the Journey
With anticipation building, youth participants are making connections that will hopefully extend beyond the Youth Forum. We will share sneak peeks leading up to the event, including youths’ expectations from their participation. Follow the updates on the UNODC Youth Forum 2025 on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for youths’ experiences, key takeaways from the Pre-Forum Activities, and highlights from the forum itself. Together, we continue to amplify youth voices, foster global collaboration, and drive positive change in substance use prevention worldwide.
