There are moments that can feel longer than they actually are. Perhaps, this is how the youth speakers felt today as they waited to take the floor to speak at the CND special event commemorating the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Today, 28 June 2022, two young alumni of the Youth Forum 2022 shared their perspectives and views on the impact of COVID-19, striving for healthy communities, involving youths, and investing in drug use prevention. Broadcasted live all over the world, the special event was availed to anyone interested in listening to the briefing of the World Drug Report 2022, the youth statement, and panel discussions.
Ms. Malak Shaarawy (Egypt) and Mr. Tedi Jaho (Albania) called for greater awareness of the environmental impact that illicit drug cultivation can have, and its subsequent detrimental effect on the health of the whole community. “Also crucial to the sustainability of a healthy community”, Malak said, “is youth involvement”. She urged to avail opportunities for meaningful youth engagement, as it also benefits the youth in return through increased sense of empowerment and responsibility. Tedi also shared his perspectives based on his personal experience in community work, highlighting the need for a paradigm shift to drug use prevention (whilst continuing to support people with drug use disorders).
Thought-provoking statements were made, which we hope resonated with the audience sitting in the room and joining online. Congratulations to Malak and Tedi for successfully having their voices be heard, and making these statements so clear.
As can be seen, youth really do #CareinCrises as much as adults do!