The Road to the Youth Declaration: Mobilizing a Global Youth Movement

In this episode of Pathways to Prevention, host Dave Closson spotlights a powerful youth-led global effort: the Youth Declaration on Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery.

What began as a spark at a CND side event in Vienna grew into a global core youth group, a multi-country survey, and a declaration that centers one clear message: nothing about us without us.

Dave is joined by youth leaders and organizers from across the world, including Cressida (World Federation Against Drugs), Sana, Fuhaira, and Muhammad (Pakistan Youth Organization). Together, they unpack how this declaration came to life, what they learned from youth in 60+ countries, and why meaningful youth participation must be treated as a design principle—not a box to tick.

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If you are a youth leader or work with youth-serving organizations, this episode is your invitation to:

1. Read the Youth Declaration and its full report to see where your current work already aligns with the six recommendations.
2. Share your story: If you’re already taking action that reflects the declaration—programs, policies, campaigns, or peer-led initiatives—send your activities and outcomes to info@wfad.se for possible inclusion in an upcoming global youth declaration web magazine.
3. Create real seats at the table: In your organization, community, or network, ask where youth are currently informed versus where they are truly involved in decision-making.

Resources Mentioned

• Youth Declaration on Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery – full text and data report
• World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD) – declaration partners and hosts of the global youth web magazine
• Pakistan Youth Organization – a youth-focused organization that helped conceptualize and drive the declaration