Trending: Declaring war on drugs

The day is celebrated to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

The day as an event is celebrated worldwide with much conscious fervour to make people aware and emphasise the hazards of drug addiction and illegal trafficking.

The UN General Assembly held a Special Session (UNGASS) on drugs in April 2016. This session marked an important milestone in achieving the goals set in the policy document of 2009 ‘Political Declaration and Plan of Action on International Cooperation towards an Integrated and Balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem’, which defined action to be taken by Member States as well as goals to be achieved by 2019.

Every year has a different theme. Listen First is the theme of year 2016. It will seek support for prevention of drug use that is based on science and is thus, an effective investment in the well-being of children and youth, their families and their communities.