Across the Global Task Force (GTF), our members and partners continue to demonstrate the power of collaboration, shared learning, and local action in advancing substance use prevention worldwide.

In this edition, we are pleased to highlight recent activities from partners working in their communities, including efforts surrounding World Drug Day, and share new resources and research that can support and strengthen prevention efforts. We are also sharing a call for speakers for an upcoming webinar, providing another opportunity for members to contribute their expertise and experiences to our global network.

We encourage you to explore the opportunities and resources in this issue, learn from the work of fellow GTF partners, and continue sharing your own activities, successes, and resources with us. Together, we are strengthening the global voice for prevention and building connections that help turn knowledge into action.

Call for Speakers & Upcoming Events

World Drug Report 2026 Webinar

Deadline to Apply: 31 August 2026

The Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs (VNGOC), in partnership with the UNODC Civil Society Unit and UNODC Research and Analysis Branch, is seeking 1–2 civil society experts to speak during an upcoming webinar discussing the World Drug Report 2026.

Webinar: September 16, 2026 | 3:00–4:30 PM CEST

Application Deadline: August 31, 2026 at 11:45 PM CEST

Selected speakers will share how they use data from the World Drug Report in their work and how the findings inform or impact their efforts. Submissions addressing this year’s highlighted topic, the impact of drug use on safety and security, are especially encouraged.

The webinar will include a presentation of the World Drug Report 2026, perspectives from civil society speakers, and an open Q&A.

Interested in speaking? Submit an application by August 31. Make sure your abstract clearly explains how your proposed presentation relates to the webinar topic.

Not applying to speak? Registration is also available for those interested in attending the webinar.

Fourth Wave Foundation – Children Matter Forum

12 – 14 November 2026 in Cochin, Kerala, India

Fourth Wave Foundation is hosting the Children Matter Forum on right to a drug-free childhood in Cochin, Kerala, India from 12 to 14 November 2026. Learn more and register here.

GTF Partners in Action

Roots of Freedom Initiative – Cameroon

In recognition of World Drug Day 2026, Roots of Freedom Initiative (ROFI Cameroon) brought prevention directly into the Mbanga-Pongo community of Douala through its “No Addiction Concert.”

The outdoor community event combined youth artistic performances with interactive discussions led by representatives from the Ministry of Social Affairs on psychoactive substance use and its consequences. ROFI’s founder and CEO also shared his personal experience as a former substance user.

The event marked the first time drug use and addiction had been openly discussed in a public setting within the community, and five young people reached out afterward seeking advice on how to stop using substances. Community leaders also expressed the need for a local rehabilitation center.

World Drug Day Outreach – Ghana

In recognition of World Drug Day 2026, Osafo Benson Isaac and his team partnered with the New Juaben North Municipal local government in Ghana’s Eastern Region to conduct a series of school-based substance use prevention activities.

Beginning June 10, the team visited secondary schools throughout the municipality to educate students about the adverse consequences associated with substance use. The campaign was scheduled to conclude with a World Drug Day durbar on June 26, bringing together school leaders, health officials, traditional authorities, local government representatives, and other community stakeholders.

The initiative highlights the importance of community partnerships and early prevention education in reaching and empowering young people.

Addicted to Christ Movement

On July 18, 2026, Addicted to Christ Movement held an addiction conference at a senior high school in Ghana. The school-based event provided an opportunity to engage young people on the issue of addiction and bring awareness directly into the school community.

Through initiatives like this, Addicted to Christ continues to demonstrate the important role that community organizations and schools can play in reaching young people with messages about substance use and addiction.

Resource Spotlight

  • Substance Use Prevention Education (SUPE): Substance Use Prevention Education (SUPE) is a nonprofit prevention platform providing accessible drug and alcohol education resources for youth, families, educators, and communities. SUPE offers age-appropriate school programs for students ages 6–9, 10–14, and 15+, along with educational videos, lessons, tools, and resources covering a range of substance use prevention topics. SUPE’s resources have a growing international reach, with more than 116,000 prevention lessons completed across 13 U.S. states and 13 countries and content reaching users in more than 100 countries. Explore the resources: SUPE App | School Programs | Prevention Education Topics | SUPE Results & Impact
  • Prevention Gone Wrong: Written by prevention expert Matej Košir, Prevention Gone Wrong: The Do’s, Don’ts, and the Common-Sense Lessons in Drug Prevention for Children and Youth draws on more than two decades of experience in prevention science, policy, and practice.The book examines common prevention approaches that may be ineffective or counterproductive—including scare tactics, misinformation, and overly simplistic messaging—and offers practical, evidence-based alternatives focused on resilience, critical thinking, supportive environments, and healthy youth development. Designed for prevention professionals, educators, policymakers, parents, NGOs, and community leaders, it provides an accessible resource for strengthening prevention practice and encouraging greater use of approaches grounded in prevention science. Learn more: Prevention Gone Wrong – UTRIP

New Research