“Engaging Youth in Prevention” Course organised by CICAD/OEA and ISSUP Mexico

The “Engaging Youth in Prevention” course has officially begun, organised by the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) of the Organization of American States (OAS) in collaboration with ISSUP Mexico, hosted by Youth Integration Centers (CIJ). This initiative forms part of an international collaboration effort aimed at promoting the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and best practices for youth leaders.

A central focus of the agenda is the active involvement in addressing the recruitment of youth into organised crime and substance use, recognising the urgency of empowering young voices in tackling these critical challenges.

The course brings together 30 youth leaders, strengthening their role as key agents of change in their communities. It aims to provide ISSUP Mexico youth leaders with the tools, knowledge, and skills needed to drive positive change in their environments and promote healthy lifestyles among their peers, prevent substance use and drug related-crimes.

The opening ceremony was led by Carmen Fernández, ISSUP Mexico Director and General Director of CIJ (host organisation of ISSUP Mexico); Ronalth Iván Ochaeta, Representative of the OAS in Mexico; Bárbara Correa, Regional Coordinator of ISSUP National Chapters for Latin America; and Eva Valencia, Youth Representative of ISSUP Mexico.

Through this initiative, the role of youth as essential actors is both recognised and strengthened, contributing to the creation of safer environments, comprehensive well-being, and the healthy development of their communities.