World Federation Against Drugs, WFAD

24/04/2026

We would like to forward the invitation to the Children Matter International Forum on the Right to a Drug-Free Childhood, organised by the Fourth Wave Foundation in collaboration with UNODC - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Taking place 12–14 November 2026 in Cochin, Kerala, India, this year’s forum will focus on “Youth Drug Prevention in the Digital Age”, exploring topics such as trends, influencers, storytelling, and creating safe spaces for prevention.

The forum brings together practitioners, organisations, and policymakers from across sectors. Participation from young people and youth representatives is highly encouraged.

Key information:
• Spots are limited, and a limited number of sponsored spots are available
• Deadline to register: 5 May 2026
• For sponsored participants, the conference package includes accommodation, meals, refreshments, and conference participation during the forum. It does not cover travel costs (including flights), visa fees, or airport transfers

Find out more and register here: https://www.fourthwavefoundation.org/children-matter-forum

23/04/2026

1 week to go! We are looking forward to launching our training series with Session 1: Gender- and Trauma-Sensitive Prevention on 30 April.

This session will feature insights from Wadih Maalouf, Karen Peters, Caroline Kahiu, Dr. Susan Maua and Monica Barzanti, who will share perspectives on strengthening prevention through gender-responsive and trauma-informed approaches.

📅 30 April
🕐 13:00–14:30 CEST
💻 Online (Teams)

🔗 Register for Session 1: https://shorturl.at/BWvZX

We will continue on 6 May with Session 2: Engaging and Empowering Youth, focusing on the role of young people in prevention and advocacy. Register here: https://shorturl.at/GadVx

Not yet a member? Join our global network and take part in initiatives like this: https://wfad.se/membership/

22/04/2026

Join us on April 28 at 15.00 CEST for our webinar, in collaboration with NPC and NBV, exploring the evolving landscape of medical cannabis in Europe!
👉https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScY-eyqig_obKnFbmBqbYFHz3TnhLqRfkVEjVjjvmMG5Y54nw/viewform

The term “medical cannabis” is increasingly used in policy and public discourse, yet its meaning and implementation vary significantly across countries. This webinar will present key findings from the report Prescribed Ambiguity: Medical Cannabis in Europe, authored by Cressida de Witte, Deputy Secretary of WFAD. It will explore how different European countries regulate medical cannabis and examine the implications of these varying approaches for public health, patient safety, and future legislation.

21/04/2026

We are excited to share the WFAD Youth Magazine 2026!

Inspired by the Global Youth Declaration on Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery, the magazine brings together voices from WFAD members and young changemakers worldwide.

Developed through the insights of more than 1,100 young people, the Declaration highlights a clear message: youth should not only be included in programmes, but actively engaged as partners in shaping them.

This magazine shows that while we continue to advocate for these recommendations, a great deal of work in youth engagement and protection is already taking place across regions.

Sharing these stories strengthens our global network, highlights what works, and encourages continued collaboration. It reinforces a key message: effective responses to substance use must be developed with youth, not only for youth.

Read the full magazine here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/c89131e30b.html

13/04/2026

What do we mean by “medical cannabis”?

A new report, Prescribed Ambiguity: Medical Cannabis in Europe, explores how the term is used across Europe and why the lack of clear definitions matters.

Today, “medical cannabis” can refer to everything from approved medicines to products without scientific evidence. This creates grey areas where the line between medical use and commercial markets becomes blurred.

When rules and definitions are unclear, there is a risk that developments are driven more by market forces than by evidence, patient needs and public health.

The report highlights the importance of clear definitions and ensuring that all medicines, including cannabis-based products, meet the same evidence-based standards for safety and efficacy.

The report was authored by WFAD Deputy Secretary Cressida de Witte for Narkotikapolitiskt Center.

You can also hear Cressida de Witte present the conclusions in a special episode of NPC:Podd: https://narkotikapolitisktcenter.se/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/npc-podd-medical-cannabis.mp3

Read the full report:https://narkotikapolitisktcenter.se/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/NPC_rapport_mc_ny-1.pdf

07/04/2026

Substance use continues to affect individuals, families, and communities across the world, making it a persistent public health challenge.

World Health Day highlights the importance of protecting and promoting health worldwide. This year’s theme, “Together for health. Stand with science,” set by the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasises the importance of working together, strengthening trust in science, and ensuring that knowledge is translated into action through collaboration.

Over the past decades, prevention science has advanced significantly, and there is growing evidence on what works and what does not. Prevention efforts, particularly those focused on children and young people, support healthy development and help prevent substance use. However, prevention remains underprioritised, and access to treatment and long-term recovery support is still limited in many settings.

Stigma continues to be a major barrier, preventing people from seeking the care they need. Addressing this requires not only expanding services, but ensuring that support is accessible, responsive, and grounded in evidence.

At WFAD, we recognise the essential role of our members, partners, and civil society organisations in strengthening prevention, treatment, and recovery worldwide.

Standing with science means strengthening prevention, improving access to treatment and recovery, and ensuring that knowledge is translated into action.

Read the full World Health Day statement here: https://wfad.se/activity/news/world-health-day-2026-strengthening-prevention-and-supporting-recovery/

01/04/2026

We are pleased to invite our members to a five-part online training series: Building Resilient and Inclusive Responses to Substance Use and Addiction.

Developed with input from our global network, the series focuses on strengthening capacity across prevention, treatment, and recovery, with an emphasis on gender-sensitive and trauma-informed approaches, youth engagement, and practical advocacy.

🗓 30 April – 27 May 2026
⏰ Wednesdays, 13:00–14:30 CEST
🎓 Certificate upon completion of all sessions

Register for each session:
Session 1: Gender- and Trauma-Sensitive Prevention – https://shorturl.at/BWvZX
Session 2: Engaging and Empowering Youth – https://shorturl.at/GadVx
Session 3: Treatment and Recovery-Oriented Care – https://shorturl.at/P7rby
Session 4: Strengthening Organisational and Advocacy Capacity – https://shorturl.at/3iRyL
Session 5: Emerging Trends – https://shorturl.at/sRc8H

Not yet a member? Join WFAD to take part in initiatives like this.
Become a member: https://wfad.se/membership/

27/03/2026

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻!

We are pleased to share a new guideline from the 𝗗𝗮𝗹𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗲, part of the WFAD network: Building Resilience in Young People – Mental Health Prevention That Works.

Drawing on insights from 3,000 young people across 137 countries, the publication highlights the importance of prevention in strengthening mental health and long-term resilience. It also underscores the link between substance use and mental health, and the need for early, coordinated responses.

This is a valuable contribution to ongoing discussions on how prevention and support systems can better protect and support young people.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://lnkd.in/eEm7Nj9f

20/03/2026

With just one week to go, this upcoming Zoom webinar will focus on alcohol harm in Uganda and its wider impacts. The session will take place on 26 March 2026 and will bring together experts to discuss the hidden costs of alcohol use on health, families, and national development.

The webinar is organised by UAPA, UYDEL, ISSUP Uganda Chapter, the Ministry of Health (Uganda), and the Uganda Cancer Institute.

Event details
Date: 26 March 2026
Time: 12:00–1:30 PM (East Africa Time)
Join here: https://lnkd.in/dYiYp8DX

With just one week to go, this upcoming Zoom webinar will focus on alcohol harm in Uganda and its wider impacts. The session will take place on 26 March 2026...

16/03/2026

Between March 9th and 13th, WFAD attended the 69th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna, Austria. The week included a wide range of side events organised by our members and partners, meetings with partners, Member States, and UNODC representatives, as well as observing the plenary session.

Read our full recap on our website!

https://wfad.se/activity/news/69th-commission-on-narcotic-drugs-a-recap/

13/03/2026

As we finalise the , having promoted the essence of prevention as a pillar in policy and our interventions, we are committed to continue our efforts and advocacy. This is not a one-time message, but requires to be integrated on a sustainable and institutional level. and changes the curve

13/03/2026

On day 4 of the , we highlight the importance of collaboration within the continuum of care as well as community work, as they are in the capacity of building trust. Trust is essential in order for people to accept support. We cannot and should not work in isolation but rather collaborate to ensure no one is left behind. We know and not only should we integrate it in our community work but also integrate it in our policies.