ISSUP was among the organisations represented at “A Faith-Based Response to Drugs and Youth Criminal Recruitment: A Dialogue from Latin America and the Caribbean to the World,” held in Rome from 25–27 August 2026.
The meeting was organised by the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD/OAS), the Pontifical Commission for Latin America (CAL), the Latin American Pastoral Network for the Accompaniment and Prevention of Addictions (PLAPA), and sought to initiate a global process to strengthen organised faith-based responses to drug-related challenges and youth recruitment into organised crime.
The meeting also aimed to promote interreligious dialogue on substance use and youth criminal recruitment, and to explore resources being developed by CICAD and PLAPA to support faith-based organisations in this work.
ISSUP was represented by Joanna Travis-Roberts, Chief Executive, and Dr Mulka Nisic, Faith and Youth Project Coordinator. ISSUP contributed its perspective on connecting the reach and trust of faith communities with evidence-informed practice, professional capacity building and effective referral pathways, while strengthening youth participation and collaboration across faith, professional and international networks.
At the event ISSUP made contacts that it will optimise in order to create content at online events and webinars, to inform the development of training and to contribute to key networks. We also intend to connect individuals to the work of our National Chapters in relevant countries.
The meeting concluded with an audience with Pope Leo XIV, who highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Church and international organisations and of building bridges between science and faith in responding to addiction and related challenges.
Read more about the meeting and the audience with Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican News coverage:
https://www.vaticannews.va/pt/papa/news/2026-08/papa-leao-xiv-pontificia-comissao-america-latina-27-agosto-2026.html
ISSUP’s participation reflects its wider efforts to connect, strengthen and professionalise faith-based approaches and responses to drug-related challenges, while supporting greater collaboration between faith communities, practitioners, researchers, young people and international partners.
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