From 9 to 11 March 2026, UNODC Youth Forum 2026 was held on the sidelines of the 69th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), welcoming 26 youths from 21 countries to Vienna, Austria. For nearly 15 years, this annual event has aimed to create a learning space for active youth leaders to learn about evidence-based prevention, collaborate through interactive sessions, and share their experiences and perspectives.
Through various interactive sessions held over three days, youth had the opportunity to learn and discuss about evidence-based prevention, conduct youth-led sessions, and synthesize their learnings and insights into a joint Youth Statement that was delivered at the Plenary of the Commission.
UNODC commends the dedication and collaborative spirit shown by all participants of the Youth Forum 2026. Their engagement highlights how essential the perspectives of young people are in shaping effective drug prevention strategies that truly empower their peers. UNODC remains committed to supporting and encouraging young leaders as they work to create meaningful, positive change in their communities.
Youth Statement 2026 at the 69th Session of the CND
Your excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,
Before you stand 26 young leaders, coming from 21 different countries, communities, and corners of the world united as one voice to advocate for substance-use prevention.
Substance use disorders are closer than we think, if it’s not you struggling, it could be someone you care about. It is not just a health issue but a barrier to education, a threat to family stability, and a shadow over our future opportunities.
Childhood and adolescence are critical periods for brain development. Early drug exposure disrupts cognitive development, emotional stability, and decision-making, leaving long-term consequences on health. These risks can be amplified by poverty, glamorization of drugs on social media, and the widespread normalization of substances, which lowers the perception of harm in young people.
By strengthening supportive systems and protective factors, we can create safe spaces for children and youth to discuss the pressures they face. When young people grow up in environments with prevention, life skills education, and supportive relationships, they are more likely to stay engaged in school, pursue their goals, and build a positive future.
Science-based policies and interventions allow us to identify what works, and to prioritize funding for age-appropriate prevention adapted to our communities. Early prevention is an investment that truly pays off; it empowers children and youth to become resilient and later contribute to their community.
In our digital age, we may be more prone to isolation and misinformation behind screens, however we must make the effort to transform this into spaces for genuine peer-to-peer prevention. With accurate information, resources, and direct dialogue with policymakers, we can lead campaigns that are empathetic, convincing, and truly effective for the youth; because no one understands the challenges and pressures of our generation better than we do. When youth voices are included in decision-making processes, prevention strategies become more relevant to the realities young people face.
Youth around the world are already actively contributing to positive change, bringing fresh perspectives and strong commitment. We are eager and ready to put prevention into action, but we cannot do it alone. With your support and collaboration, we can play a greater role in prevention and work together towards a safer and healthier world.
We began this forum as voices from many nations, but we conclude it today as a single, unified force for change. Protecting the potential of every young person begins with prevention.
