ISSUP National Chapters from around the world convened online on 9 September for the 2026 Annual Meeting to reflect on progress and discuss priorities for the year ahead. The meeting brought together a growing global network that now includes 46 established National Chapters with a further eight under development.
Setting the tone for the meeting, Joanna Travis-Roberts, ISSUP Chief Executive, provided an update on the organisation’s strategic direction. This included a revised vision and mission, as well as ISSUP’s growing engagement with professionals working in supply reduction and crime prevention. The new mission focuses on strengthening the substance use and supply reduction workforce by connecting members globally, sharing knowledge and supporting professional growth.
Several new resources and initiatives are supporting this direction. These include the recently launched Drug Data Hub, plans for a global online version of the ASSIST Screening tool, and an increased focus on demonstrating the reach and impact of National Chapter activities.
Another major development was the upcoming soft launch of the ISSUP Academy. The new platform will bring ISSUP’s learning opportunities together in one place and link participation directly to members’ profiles. Designed to make professional development more accessible, the ISSUP Academy will offer modular and self-directed learning, mobile access, low-bandwidth options and multilingual content, alongside certificates and continuing education credits.
The meeting also highlighted ISSUP’s growing focus on meaningful youth participation. Young people are increasingly contributing to the development, implementation and evaluation of substance use prevention strategies. The ISSUP Africa Youth Network is now operational, the Inter-American Youth Network brings together representatives from ten National Chapters, and preparations are underway for a network covering Europe and the Caribbean.
ISSUP’s faith-based engagement is also expanding, with more than 1,700 stakeholders mapped globally. This work aims to connect faith leaders and organisations with evidence-informed approaches to substance use and supply reduction.
Speaking on behalf of the National Chapters Advisory Committee, Roger Weimann shared an update on the Resource Persons Directory. Now nearing completion, the Directory will connect National Chapters with experienced professionals who can offer mentorship and technical support across a range of specialist areas.
The meeting concluded with National Chapters sharing the forms of support and opportunities they value most. Training, online resources, youth initiatives, webinars and faith-based activities featured prominently. This feedback will guide the National Chapters Global Team’s strategy discussions and vision meeting in October 2026, helping to shape priorities for the year ahead.
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