Pathways 2 Prevention
The Road to the Youth Declaration: Mobilizing a Global Youth Movement
37 min
Guests: Cressida, Sana, Fuhaira, Muhammad
Listen on SpotifySummary
This episode of Pathways to Prevention spotlights the Youth Declaration on Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery, a powerful youth-led global effort. The declaration grew from a CND side event in Vienna into a worldwide movement, centering on the message "nothing about us without us." The episode explores how this declaration came to life, what was learned from youth in over 60 countries, and the importance of meaningful youth participation as a design principle.
Key takeaways
- Read the Youth Declaration and its full report to see where current work aligns with the six recommendations.
- Share stories of actions reflecting the declaration with info@wfad.se for possible inclusion in a global youth web magazine.
- In your organization, community, or network, assess where youth are truly involved in decision-making versus merely informed.
- The Youth Declaration on Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery and its data report are key resources.
- The World Federation Against Drugs and Pakistan Youth Organization were partners in the declaration.
Show notes
In this episode of Pathways to Prevention, host Dave Closson spotlights a powerful youth-led global effort: the Youth Declaration on Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery.
What began as a spark at a CND side event in Vienna grew into a global core youth group, a multi-country survey, and a declaration that centers one clear message: nothing about us without us.
Dave is joined by youth leaders and organizers from across the world, including Cressida (World Federation Against Drugs), Sana, Fuhaira, and Muhammad (Pakistan Youth Organization). Together, they unpack how this declaration came to life, what they learned from youth in 60+ countries, and why meaningful youth participation must be treated as a design principle, not a box to tick.
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If you are a youth leader or work with youth-serving organizations, this episode is your invitation to:
- Read the Youth Declaration and its full report to see where your current work already aligns with the six recommendations.
- Share your story: If you’re already taking action that reflects the declaration, programs, policies, campaigns, or peer-led initiatives, send your activities and outcomes to info@wfad.se for possible inclusion in an upcoming global youth declaration web magazine.
- Create real seats at the table: In your organization, community, or network, ask where youth are currently informed versus where they are truly involved in decision-making.
Resources Mentioned
- Youth Declaration on Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery, full text and data report
- World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD), declaration partners and hosts of the global youth web magazine
- Pakistan Youth Organization, a youth-focused organization that helped conceptualize and drive the declaration
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