Dhaka: Speakers at an international webinar have emphasized the importance of evidence-based drug prevention strategies to safeguard young people and ensure a secure and healthy environment for them.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the webinar titled ‘Evidence-Based Drug Prevention’ was co-organized by the Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing and the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) Bangladesh chapter. This event was held on Wednesday evening in honor of International Youth Day 2026. Iqbal Masud, director of the Health and Nutrition Sector at Dhaka Ahsania Mission and general secretary of the ISSUP Bangladesh chapter, highlighted the superiority of evidence-based prevention over traditional methods.

Masud stated that the theme of this year’s International Youth Day, ‘Different Contexts, Shared Aspirations’, underscores the common dream of a healthy future shared by youth worldwide, despite their diverse life situations. He emphasized that substance use disorder jeopardizes these aspirations and urged families, educational institutions, the government, and society to align prevention programs with international standards.

Prof Dr MA Mohit Kamal, chairman of the ISSUP Bangladesh chapter, advocated for the active involvement of young people in drug prevention initiatives. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts with youth, as they are the future leaders of the nation.

The webinar also featured international speakers, including ISSUP National Chapters Coordinator Olha Myshakivska, ISSUP Scientific Support Coordinator Rasha Abi Hana, and World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD) Secretary General Cressida de Witte. AFM Sadman Sakib, a member of the Ahsania Mission Youth Forum, contributed to the discussions as well.

Marjana Muntaha, coordinator of the Ahsania Mission Youth Forum, moderated the session, which saw participation from youth representatives both within Bangladesh and internationally. The speakers called for enhanced measures against drug trafficking, modernized law enforcement tactics, and increased focus on youth mental health.

The organizing bodies concluded the session with a unified appeal for the government, civil society, and development organizations to collaborate in implementing evidence-based drug prevention policies.