We are thrilled to share some exciting highlights from our recent endeavors at the 67th Session of the CND in Vienna, Austria. Thanks to the generous funding from the Colombo Plan and support from the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), DFAF had the privilege of sending 18 members of our esteemed Global Task Force, including dedicated youth representatives, from 14 different countries. Additionally, with the assistance of a private donor, we were able to facilitate the travel of three doctors from Colorado.

Year after year, our delegation continues to expand, amplifying our collective voice and influence in advocating for evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. At this year’s session, held on a Sunday, our task force dedicated a full 8 hours to intensive discussions on the current drug policy landscape. Together, we crafted a strategic plan to guide our efforts throughout 2024. Our overarching aim is to foster consistent messaging on drug demand reduction topics and to ensure that prevention, treatment, and recovery remain prominent in global drug policy dialogues.

We owe a debt of gratitude to our exceptional colleagues—Dorothy Chaney, Dave Closson, Carlton Hall, and Stephanie Strutner—for their invaluable guidance during our strategic planning session. Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in shaping our vision for the future.

Side Events

In collaboration with Association of Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers of Macau, the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, the Proslavi Oporavak – Celebrate Recovery, the Dhaka Ahsania Mission, the Recovered Users Network and the World Federation Against Drugs, DFAF hosted a side event titled We Are All in This Together: Working Drug Demand Reduction Strategies Throughout the Continuum of Care. This event brought together passionate advocates, experts, and pioneers in the field of drug demand reduction who were able to shed light on comprehensive approaches that span the entire spectrum of drug-related challenges. The event included insightful presentations on prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery strategies. “We Are All in This Together” is a call to action, a rallying cry for unity in the face of a complex societal challenge. The event panel gave examples of how we can navigate the continuum of care while embracing a holistic vision that transcends boundaries and ensures that no one is left behind. The panel highlighted that together, we can build a future where compassion, understanding, and evidence-based strategies prevail, creating a healthier, more resilient society for all.

In addition to the side event DFAF hosted, we were honored to collaborate and co-sponsor nine other side events including:

  • UNVEILING GENDER DYNAMICS: EXPLORING DRUG DEPENDENCE, RECOVERY AND POLICY MATTERS IN THE GLOBAL CONVERSATION AROUND WOMEN
  • ACHIEVING SOCIAL AND WORK INTEGRATION FOR JUSTICE-INVOLVED INDIVIDUALS WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS: GOOD PRACTICES AND KEY PRINCIPLES
  • A GLOBAL POSITION PAPER ON RECOVERY – UNITED VOICES FOR DRUG DEMAND REDUCTION
  • UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF HEMP LEGALIZATION
  • ADDRESSING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE GLOBAL DRUG PROBLEM: ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY
  • ROLE OF YOUTH PARTICIPATION FOR DRUG POLICY AND DRUG PREVENTION
  • RESPONSES TO SYNTHETIC DRUGS: AREAS FOR ACTION
  • NORMALISATION OF SUBSTANCE USE ON DIGITAL PLATFORMS AND ITS INFLUENCE ON YOUTH LIFESTYLE CHOICES
  • BEST PRACTICES AND LESSONS LEARNED FROM IMPLEMENTING SYNTHETIC DRUG STRATEGIES.

These events allowed DFAF to expand its global voice and support our amazing global partners.

Luncheon: Global Conversation on Marijuana Policy

In collaboration with the World Federation Against Drugs and the African Union, DFAF hosted a luncheon for Members States on the Global Marijuana Policy Landscape. Regina Mattsson from WFAD served as moderator and provided thoughtful insights and posed challenging questions to the panel. Our Executive Director, Amy Ronshausen provided remarks on the impacts of marijuana legalization in the U.S. and was followed by Stig Erik Sorheim, President of EURAD, who gave an update on the policy landscape and challenges faced in Europe. Dr. Yvonne Olando, Director of Prevention and Treatment Programs for NACADA, spoke on the current situation in Kenya and the potential impacts of such policies moving forward. Our final panelist was the real show-stopper! Enda Joseph, So -Y! – So Why I Engage, Fourth Wave Foundation, gave a powerful testimony on how marijuana policies impact youth and provide a call to action to involve youth in all actions moving forward. We were honored to have Abel Basutu, the Senior Drug Control Officer at the African Union Commission, provide closing remarks. The luncheon was attended by various Member States from the African Union, as well as representatives from Italy, Japan, Serbia, Ireland, Croatia, and many more.

Please consider making a donation to Drug Free America Foundation, Inc. Your support allows us to continue our efforts in developing strategies and educational programs that prevent drug use and promote sustained recovery.