The abuse and illicit trafficking of drugs has grown to become a global problem, one that threatens the very future of young people around the world. It is in recognition of this, that June 26 was set aside by the UN General Assembly as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to assert its determination to see a world free of drug abuse.

This year's theme - 'Listen First', has shifted the focus of drug abuse prevention to the well-being young people, their families and communities. Teenagers and young adults are particularly susceptible to drug abuse due to factors like peer pressure, the possibility of growing up in households where one or both parents abuse drugs, poverty and media influence. In accordance with the theme, we believe that actively listening to children and youth, is the first step towards helping them grow up healthy and safe.

This science based approach for dealing with this huge problem, involves parenting skills programs and the teaching of social skills to children in elementary schools and has the potential of preventing two-thirds of the cases of non-medical use of prescription drugs by age 21.

Addressed collectively and effectively, this will help make our dreams of a drug free world a reality, build up the resilience of young people and create a supportive environment for positive families, schools and communities.

C4C is proud to join the world in working and advocating for a world free of drug abuse , particularly for a world in which children and young people are supported and protected from drug abuse and all it's effects.