World Federation Against Drugs, WFAD

World Federation Against Drugs, WFAD WFAD aims for a drug free world. The World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD) is a multilateral community of non-governmental organisations and individuals.

WFAD is democratically organised with an International Board consisting of two representatives from each world region: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America and Oceania as well as an International President. Founded in 2009, the aim of WFAD is to work for a drug-free world. The members of the WFAD share a common concern that illicit drug use is undercutting traditional values and thre

atening the existence of stable families, communities, and government institutions throughout the world. The work of the WFAD is built on the principles of universal fellowship and basic human and democratic rights. We believe that working for a drug-free World will promote peace and human development and dignity, democracy, tolerance, equality, freedom and justice. WFAD aims to strengthen prevention, increase access to treatment, and promote recovery!

What an engaging Session 2 on youth engagement and leadership. Thank you to everyone who contributed such valuable persp...
06/05/2026

What an engaging Session 2 on youth engagement and leadership. Thank you to everyone who contributed such valuable perspectives and experiences!

We now move forward with Session 3: Treatment and Recovery-Oriented Care on 13 May, where we will explore how treatment systems can better support sustainable recovery.

This session brings together four experts and practitioners to explore person-centred, recovery-oriented treatment across the continuum of care. It will highlight the role of families and communities while addressing stigma, mental health, and trauma in supporting recovery.

In this session, you will gain insights into:

• Person-centred and recovery-oriented approaches to treatment
• Opportunities for families and communities to actively support recovery and reintegration
• Tools to address stigma, trauma, and mental health within recovery pathways

📅 Wednesday, 13 May
🕐 13:00–14:30 CEST
💻 Online (Teams)

Register here: 23b9f07b-a732-4730-ba2e-a59d772ef95a@92fcff1e-88e9-4268-8c5f-50edf0edf90f" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/23b9f07b-a732-4730-ba2e-a59d772ef95a@92fcff1e-88e9-4268-8c5f-50edf0edf90f

We look forward to hearing from Mulka Nisic, Asia Ashraf, Warren Cornelius and Elroy Stuurman!

We will then continue with Session 4: Emerging Trends in Addiction on 20 May. Register here: 4fd78d84-4576-47d8-9656-6facf22aadb1@92fcff1e-88e9-4268-8c5f-50edf0edf90f" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/4fd78d84-4576-47d8-9656-6facf22aadb1@92fcff1e-88e9-4268-8c5f-50edf0edf90f

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

What a great start to our training series! Thank you to everyone who joined today’s session on Gender- and Trauma-Sensit...
30/04/2026

What a great start to our training series! Thank you to everyone who joined today’s session on Gender- and Trauma-Sensitive Prevention and contributed to such thoughtful discussions.

Next, we continue with Session 2: Engaging and Empowering Youth on 6 May, where we will explore why youth participation in prevention and recovery is not just valuable, but essential.

This session will bring forward youth perspectives, experiences, and leadership, while exploring both opportunities and barriers to engagement. Through a panel discussion, youth leaders from across our global network will share the initiatives they are leading in their communities.

In this session, you will gain insights into:
• Meaningful and inclusive youth engagement in practice
• Youth-led initiatives and peer support
• Barriers and opportunities for youth participation

📅 Wednesday, 6 May
🕐 13:00–14:30 CEST
💻 Online (Teams)

Register here: 54ffd125-e7ae-439b-9347-9adf359a60aa@92fcff1e-88e9-4268-8c5f-50edf0edf90f" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/54ffd125-e7ae-439b-9347-9adf359a60aa@92fcff1e-88e9-4268-8c5f-50edf0edf90f

Looking forward to hearing from Diana Vincent, Mohamed Husni, Drusilla Reinhard-Blinker, Yoni Torbijn, Aliyu Usman MUKHTAR, Kaitlin Nichols and and a representative from So-Y.

We will then continue with Session 3: Treatment and Recovery-Oriented Care on 13 May, exploring person-centred recovery approaches, stigma reduction, and the role of families and communities in supporting long-term recovery. Register for Session 3: 23b9f07b-a732-4730-ba2e-a59d772ef95a@92fcff1e-88e9-4268-8c5f-50edf0edf90f" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/23b9f07b-a732-4730-ba2e-a59d772ef95a@92fcff1e-88e9-4268-8c5f-50edf0edf90f

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

We’re sharing an opportunity from the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs (VNGOC). On behalf of the International Narcotics Co...
27/04/2026

We’re sharing an opportunity from the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs (VNGOC). On behalf of the International Narcotics Control Board, VNGOC is inviting civil society organisations to submit written contributions ahead of the 146th INCB session.

This year’s topic is: “Trafficking in new psychoactive substances: implications for the prevention and treatment of drug use disorders.”

Submission deadline: 07 May 2026, 23:45 CEST

For full details on submission requirements and how to apply, please visit our website: https://wfad.se/activity/member-activity/vngoc-call-for-written-inputs-civil-society-contributions-to-the-146th-international-narcotics-control-board-session/

We encourage interested organisations to consider contributing and sharing this opportunity within their networks.

We would like to forward the invitation to the Children Matter International Forum on the Right to a Drug-Free Childhood...
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

1 week to go! We are looking forward to launching our training series with Session 1: Gender- and Trauma-Sensitive Preve...
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/

Join us on April 28 at 15.00 CEST for our webinar, in collaboration with NPC and NBV, exploring the evolving landscape o...
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.

We are excited to share the WFAD Youth Magazine 2026!Inspired by the Global Youth Declaration on Prevention, Treatment, ...
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

What do we mean by “medical cannabis”?A new report, Prescribed Ambiguity: Medical Cannabis in Europe, explores how the t...
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

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


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

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