Drug use prevention is more than only preventing drug use initiation. It is a promotion of health and well-being and strengthening of the social capital of each society. It is possible and can be effective when it is data-driven and when the methods used are evidence-based. Lots of activities and programs in the prevention field were paused or terminated due to the pandemic but it does not mean that the need for prevention has decreased.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated how important it is to cultivate protective factors for substance use among youth. Factors like family, free-time activities, peers and community environment matter and therefore this side event will bring together speakers who will look at each of these factors and how to approach them with the goal to improve the well-being of young people.
During the side event, we will share the experience of various governments with data and evidence-based methods and we will invite prevention practitioners to share their approach in implementing theoretical knowledge into practice.
Time and speakers:
Opening:
– Iceland Permanent Commission 6′ Kristín A. Árnadóttir, Ambassador, Permanent Representative Inga Dóra Sigfúsdóttir, ICSRA founder
– Government of Kenya – 4′ Yvonne Olando as the Director of Public Education and Advocacy.
– Government of Chile – 4′ Carlos Charme Fuentes, Director SENDA
Protective and risk factors:
– Organized leisure time activities 6’ Margrét L. Guðmundsdóttir, Planet Youth
– Parenting 6’ Giovanna Campello, UNODC
– Peers (Media literacy) 6’ Kristina Sperkova, Movendi International
– Community environment 6’ Matej Košir, UTRIP
Moderator: Emmet Major, Western Region Drug and Alcohol Task Force, Ireland
Discussion with all speakers – 8’
Closing remarks – Iceland – 2′ Kristín A. Árnadóttir, Ambassador, Permanent Representative
