1- The Foundation for a Drug Free World, COJEP International and FOWPAL thank the Permanent Mission of Turkey to the United Nations, Secretary General Antonio Guteres and the entire UN for this opportunity to hold the 4th Annual Global Drug Free World Conference. During this 61st session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development, Dr. Hong of Fowpal , President Ali of Fowpal and Dr Fialkoff of Drug Free World have united to confront a worldwide drug crisis.
One would be hard-pressed to identify a societal ill more insidious and destructive to social development and the UN sustainable goals than illicit drug and substance abuse.
2- World citizens, national cultures and global communities are eroding under the onslaught of Fentanyl, Synthetic combinations and cocktails which caused 106000 deaths in the United States alone in 2021.. eclipsing the 58000 of the entire 10-year Vietnam War. Justice, peace, human rights, economic progress and consciousness are fleeting illusions in a drugged, unaware society.
The 2021 UNODC World Drug Report stated that drug abuse affected a staggering 275 million people worldwide in 2021 while over 36 million people suffered drug use disorders. This drug enemy marches forward eroding the very pillars of social global development;
3- The fabric of society — family love, dreams, the hopes for future survival and happiness – our children and grandchildren.
The United Nations General Assembly on 20 November 1989 in its great foresight adopted Articles 3 and 33 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child.
Article 3-1: In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration.
4- Article 33: States Parties shall take all appropriate measures, including legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect children from the illicit use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances as defined in the relevant international treaties, and to prevent the use of children in the illicit production and trafficking of such
substances.
The 2016 United Nations Global UNGASS Drug Conference concluded Education and Prevention as the keys to handling the Global Drug Epidemic. The Foundation for a Drug-Free World Truth About Drugs Program is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that empowers youth and
5- adults with factual scientifically based information about drugs so they can make informed decisions to live drug-free.
It is a solution available free of charge at Drugfreeworld.org in 22 languages.
If parents talk to their kids about drugs, they are 40 % less likely to try drugs.
If we educate at an early age and substance abuse use is avoided before 21 years of age, then statistics show less than 2.1 % will have dependence.
Through a worldwide network of volunteers, 50 million of drug prevention
6- booklets in 22 languages have been distributed, tens of thousands of drug awareness events have been held in some 180 countries and Truth About Drugs public service announcements have been aired on more than 500 television stations and online media outlets.
Each child represents the future of our family. As parents / aunts and uncles / adults, we owe them the love and understanding they need. We use GPS to guide us safely to our destinations…. and drug education in scientific consequences per the NIH and many leading medical journals, helps guide youth to see the medical and mental drug danger they face.
7- Factual, scientific information provides the GPS requisite to defend from addiction and death. Do not be fooled into thinking our responsibility reaches only the limits of our home. There are no margins, no demographic prejudice to drug addiction, no exclusions are ever granted.
Our World is built on the cooperative efforts of many individuals. Modern life would not sustain without all the functions and effort every member of society voluntarily performs. All the wealth of Gold and Diamonds pales and withers, in the cold harsh winter, void of a fellow human being to furnish heat and shelter…. who gifts care and kindness when the hollowing unabating wind rages against our shivering bodies.
It is time to recognize the importance of human kind and to protect its future
generations.
Gandhi said “ Be the Change you wish to see in the world.” So let us work and not criticize.
George Washington said, “ A primary object should be the education of our youth….
He goes on ….What duty more pressing than communicating to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country. “ So let us be calm and truthful in educating and communicating that future life.
MLK said “ Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Therefore, let us not ignore the scientific facts and attendant social consequences, but embrace consciousness, justice and truth.
DFW, COJEP FOWPAL reaffirm that as citizens of the world, we have;
1. a commitment to the power of fact-based education and evidence-based prevention initiatives to foster well communities, conscience and justice.
2 To acknowledge that the implementation of evidence-based alcohol and drug education strategies.
enables sustainable social development.
3, That early intervention with proper education per UNGASS 2016 is key to effective drug prevention strategies, true understanding, love and peace.
We thank the UN for the empowerment to deliver this important drug education conference conforming with the conclusions of the 2016 UNGASS World Drug conference on education and prevention. We laud the UN STGs of good health and well-being, quality education, responsible consumption and production, sustainable cities and communities and partnerships for the goals. We thank the Permanent Turkish Mission to the UN for enabling DFW, COJEP, FOWPAL in the staging of this 4th annual Drug Free World conference; And express our sincere gratitude to all the speakers and participants for your presence .
Let all men and women, let all nations rise up and awaken to the virus, the cancer, the enemy of mankind – drug addiction and its associated violence and death.
Let The United Nations Assembly ring a warning bell on this Feb 10 2023, and forever be known as a day where all man proclaimed –
“Justice has not died !
Conscience still exists.
We can be free.
We can create a Drug Free World! “