World Drugs Day - 26 June 2025
INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE

"The evidence is clear: invest in prevention"

World Drug Day is observed annually on 26 June to strengthen global action toward a world free of drug abuse. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of evidence-based prevention as the most effective long-term solution to the global drug challenge.

Drugs affect individuals, families, and communities across every continent. Prevention and treatment strategies rooted in science, human rights, and compassion are essential to reducing harm and building safer societies.

World Drug Day is a call to:

  1. Raise Awareness: Increase understanding of effective, evidence-based prevention strategies and their role in reducing drug use harms.
  2. Advocate for Investment: Encourage governments and policymakers to invest in prevention efforts, highlighting the long-term benefits of early intervention.
  3. Empower Communities: Provide communities with tools and resources to implement evidence-based initiatives, fostering resilience against drug use.
  4. Facilitate Dialogue: Promote collaboration among stakeholders to enhance prevention practices and encourage knowledge sharing.
  5. Promote Evidence-Based Policymaking: Advocate for drug policies grounded in scientific research and best practices at national and international levels.
  6. Engage Communities: Highlight the importance of community participation in designing effective drug prevention programs.
  7. Empower Youth: Equip youth with the knowledge and resources to advocate for drug prevention and be active change agents in their communities.
  8. Promote International Cooperation: Foster collaboration among governments and organizations to develop coordinated, evidence-based strategies against drug trafficking and organized crime.

Together, let us amplify our efforts to combat the global drug problem, guided by the principles of science, compassion, and solidarity.

Through collective action and a commitment to evidence-based solutions, we can create a world where individuals are empowered to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.