By Muhammad Luqman
The United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) has adopted with consensus a resolution tabled by Pakistan on “strengthening efforts to prevent drug abuse in educational settings” during its 61st regular session, The meeting was recently convened in Austrian capital, Vienna, according to a Foreign Office statement on Monday. The resolution drew the attention of the Commission to the common challenges of drug use among children and youth in schools, colleges and universities’ settings. It stressed the need for enhanced efforts, including policy interventions and comprehensive drug prevention programmes, to protect children and youth from the scourge of illicit drugs and to make educational settings free from drug abuse. The resolution emphasised the important role of educational settings in promoting healthy lifestyles among young people and calls for close coordination among law enforcement, education and health authorities at domestic level. It also reflected political commitment of the global community to promote international cooperation, including through exchange of experiences and good practices as well as technical assistance, in support of States’ efforts to address drug abuse in educational settings. The resolution sought to advance discussions and inspire concerted efforts at all levels for safety and well-being of children and youth. Pakistan’s initiative to table this resolution was widely appreciated. The Vienna-based UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs is the leading policy making body within the United Nations system on matters related to drugs. Pakistan is an elected member of the Commission for the four-year term of 2016-19.
