Three-day global meet on drug free childhood opens on Nov 16
• Minister M B Rajesh to address the inaugural session
Trivandrum / November 15, 2022
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov. 15: Around 300 participants from 60 countries will come together at a three-day international forum on ‘drug free childhood’, to update strategies to effectively contain substance abuse and create a safer world for children.
Minister of Excise, Local Self Governments, and Rural Development Shri M B Rajesh will deliver the address as the Chief Guest of the international conclave, beginning here tomorrow.
Themed “Children Matter – Right to a Drug Free Childhood,” the meet aims at protecting children from the rising use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The forum, the first of its kind planned in Asia on the topic, is organised by Fourth Wave Foundation (FWF) in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD).
The deliberations at the meet will focus on envisaging practical and regional solutions to protect the rights of children to a drug-free childhood.
Ms Kumari Shibulal, Chairperson, Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiative, will deliver the presidential address at the inaugural ceremony.
Top international experts on the subject will share their insights and perspectives at the meet, being held when the Kerala Government has stepped up efforts to clamp down on drug abuse and save children from falling prey to the menace.
Plenary sessions of the forum will have speakers like Ms Amy Ronshausen, International President, WFAD, USA, Mr Marco Teixiera, South Asia Representative UNODC -Portugal, Mr Billy Batware, Program Officer, UNODC, Dr Harvey Milkman, Professor Emeritus, Metropolitan State Universityof Denver, USA, civil society members, policymakers, child rights advocates, government representatives, prevention-treatment-recovery professionals and youth leaders from across the globe.
The sessions at the forum will discuss key topics related to educating and empowering youth to advocate for their rights, rehabilitation and social cohesion of children, the role of family and school in working with children, and Project VENDA, the ongoing campaign of the Fourth Wave Foundation.
