At the 69th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, a side event titled “Building Resilient Youth and Families for Drug Prevention” brought together prevention practitioners and partners from different regions to explore how prevention approaches must evolve in response to the complex realities faced by young people today.
The session was hosted by the Pakistan Youth Organization in collaboration with several international partners, including the World Federation Against Drugs, Drug Abuse Prevention Center Japan, Association Proyecto Hombre, Spain, Asia Pacific Confederation Against Drugs (APCD), Dhaka Ashiana Mission, Bangladesh, Singapore Anti Narcotics Association (SANA) and Organization for Addiction Prevention Treatment and Recovery (OAPTAR)
During the discussion, speakers reflected on the growing recognition that prevention must move beyond traditional information-based approaches toward strategies that strengthen resilience and mental wellbeing among young people.
Representing Malaysia, Cindy Biding, President of the Organisation for Addiction Prevention, Treatment and Recovery (OAPTAR) and ISSUP Malaysia Chapter lead, shared perspectives from school- and family-based prevention initiatives that integrate mental health and social-emotional learning.
Her presentation highlighted the need to shift prevention from a narrow focus on risk reduction toward a broader framework that builds protective environments for young people.
Schools play a critical role in this shift. Effective prevention systems within schools go beyond awareness campaigns and focus on developing life skills such as emotional regulation, stress management, and peer support. When these elements become embedded in the school environment, prevention becomes a daily practice rather than a one-off intervention.
Families were also highlighted as essential partners in prevention. Strengthening family communication, supporting parents under stress, and reducing stigma around mental health discussions can significantly enhance protective factors for young people.
From a policy perspective, resilience-based prevention offers a practical and evidence-informed pathway forward. Investing in school-based programmes, strengthening the prevention workforce, and integrating mental health into prevention frameworks can contribute to healthier and more resilient communities.
A key reflection shared during the session captured the spirit of this approach:
“Prevention is not merely the absence of drugs.
It is the presence of resilient children, supported families, and mentally healthy schools."
As global prevention efforts continue to evolve, discussions such as these highlight the importance of collaborative approaches that strengthen the environments in which young people grow, learn, and develop.