The Vision for Alternative Development (VALD), a civil society organisation, has urged stronger international and regional collaboration, shared data systems, and unified advocacy tools to enhance consistency and effectiveness in global drug control policy.
According to VALD, such collaborative efforts would strengthen global messaging and provide practical investment support to low- and middle-income countries, particularly in combating rising drug use among young people.
Mr Issah Ali, Executive Director of VALD and Head of the Secretariat of the West African Alcohol Policy Alliance (WAAPA), made the call in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency after participating in the 6th Istanbul Initiative Summit held in Turkey.
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The summit, themed “Global Dialogue on the Future of Drug Policy,” was hosted by the Turkish Green Crescent Society and brought together representatives of civil society organisations and international policy experts. Discussions focused on pressing issues such as the surge in youth drug use, the proliferation of synthetic drugs, cannabis legalisation, and the funding difficulties facing advocacy and prevention organisations.
Speaking on the topic “The Future of Global Drug Policy: Demand Reduction and Resilience,” Mr Ali observed that global drug policy was shifting from punitive approaches toward health-based and human rights–oriented strategies. He called for greater investment in prevention, treatment, and social reintegration, emphasising the use of data and behavioural science to guide policy decisions.
He noted that prevention, treatment, and recovery must operate in synergy to build community resilience, while urging deeper youth involvement in advocacy and policy design. Mr Ali also highlighted the need for school and community-based interventions that empower young people to resist drug use and participate in shaping sustainable solutions.
