Events

Background

Africa is experiencing a surge in drug-related challenges, including the proliferation of synthetic drugs, increasing rates of substance abuse among youth, and the rise of drug trafficking networks. These problems not only threaten public health but also undermine peace, security, and sustainable development in the region. Additionally, drug abuse has been linked to other forms of criminal activities, including violent extremism and organized crime, which further destabilize communities. Given Africa’s youthful population—where over 60% of the population is under 25 years old—young people are both disproportionately affected by the drug crisis and uniquely positioned to play a central role in addressing it.

The involvement of youth in advocating for and shaping drug policy legislation offers an opportunity to leverage their energy, innovation, and grassroots influence. With the right platforms and capacity-building efforts, youth can become powerful advocates for regional collaboration, policy reform, and the promotion of peace and security across the continent. This concept note proposes a framework for empowering youth to lead in driving regional drug policy legislation while promoting peace and security in Africa.

Rationale

The increasing drug problem across Africa calls for urgent and innovative solutions. Traditionally, drug policies have been designed with a top-down approach, often sidelining the very group most affected: the youth. However, given their engagement with technology, social media, and grassroots movements, young people have the potential to play a critical role in drug prevention, treatment advocacy, and policy reform.

There is a growing consensus that youth participation in policy processes strengthens governance and helps create policies that are more responsive to the needs of society. Involving youth in the creation and implementation of drug policies will ensure that such policies are informed by the lived experiences of the young population and better address the root causes of drug abuse, including unemployment, social inequalities, and mental health challenges. Moreover, youth engagement in drug policy reform is a strategic entry point for broader involvement in peace and security initiatives across Africa; hence the need to organize this side event as part of the activities marking the Action Days of the Summit of the Future by African Youths Initiative on Crime Prevention, AYICRIP in partnership with the World Federation Against Drug, WFAD.

Objectives

  • Strengthen Youth Participation in Regional Drug Policy Legislation: Equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and platforms to engage in advocacy and policy dialogue related to drug legislation at the regional level.
  • Promote Peace and Security through Drug Policy Reform: Foster an understanding of the intersection between drug policy, peace, and security among youth leaders and empower them to champion initiatives that promote community resilience against drug-related violence and crime.
  • Capacity Building and Empowerment: Build the capacity of youth networks and organizations to engage meaningfully in the policy process, including through training in advocacy, legal frameworks, and negotiation.
  • Encourage Regional Collaboration: Facilitate cross-border collaboration among youth organizations, civil society, and government agencies in addressing drug-related issues, recognizing that drug trafficking and abuse are transnational problems that require regional solutions.

Implementation Strategy

In line with Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which speaks to the right to life, liberty, and security of persons irrespective of race, gender, and color, the side event is targeted at addressing underlying policy challenges in relation to crime, drug and substance abuse, insecurity, and violence, as it affects youths and women across Africa.

This implies that as part of the discussions and recommendations, there is a conscious effort towards ensuring the voices of youths and women are amplified and leveraged towards driving legislations that could impact their lives and their communities as well as promote peace and security.

The side event is a gathering of heads of civil society organizations to espouse diverse perspectives, views, as well as deliberate on mechanisms by which youths in different African countries can drive drug policy legislation with the aim to address issues of violence and insecurity in their countries.

Expected Outcomes

  • Increased youth participation in regional policy processes and decision-making on drug issues.
  • Enhanced capacity of youth organizations to advocate for and influence drug policy legislation at both national and regional levels.
  • A reduction in drug-related violence, crime, and insecurity, particularly in vulnerable communities.
  • Strengthened regional cooperation and collaboration on drug control efforts across African borders.
  • A shift in public perception of youth, from being victims or perpetrators of the drug crisis to leaders and innovators in policy reform and peacebuilding.

Speakers

  • Amb. Christogonus C. Ibe: Founder/Executive Director, African Youths Initiative on Crime Prevention
  • Cressida de Witte: World Federation Against Drug, WFAD, Sweden
  • Amb. Felix Iziomoh (Moderator): Founder/Executive Director, International Centre for Leadership Development, Nigeria
  • Mr. Ikenna Molobe: Director, Unified Initiative for Drug Free Nigeria, Nigeria
  • George Ochieng Odalu: Founder/Executive Director, Slum Child Foundation, Kenya
  • Ibe Nkechika: Founder/Executive Director, Impact Her World Foundation, Nigeria
  • Lazarous Mulanga: Founder/Executive Director, Crowd Puller, Zambia

Registration

To register for the event, please visit the following link:

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Contact Information

For more information, please contact us:

Phone: 07062356658, 07038222687, +254725794820, +260964357375

Email: ayicripyouths@gmail.com