From March 10-12, three talented students from Vienna International School (VIS) were selected to participate in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Youth Forum, an inspiring event that brought together young people from across the globe to discuss substance abuse prevention and youth empowerment. The VIS students, who are part of the school’s substance abuse prevention group, represented both VIS and the city of Vienna at this prestigious event.
The forum provided a unique opportunity for the students to engage with peers from around the world, share their experiences, and learn from diverse perspectives on the important issue of substance abuse prevention. During the three-day event, the students participated in a range of activities designed to broaden their understanding of the various factors that impact young people’s decisions, including social, psychological, and environmental influences.
The forum’s theme centered on supporting youth in their journey to make healthy and informed choices, providing young people with the knowledge and resources needed to create positive change within their communities. Our students had the opportunity to hear from experts, activists, and young advocates who are working to combat substance abuse, and to collaborate with others on potential strategies for prevention.
The experience was incredibly enriching for the VIS students, who gained valuable insights while forming lasting connections with like-minded peers from different countries. Through discussions, workshops, and group activities, the students were inspired by the stories of others and gained a deeper appreciation of the global scale of substance abuse prevention efforts. Our students also had the chance to contribute their own ideas and share the initiatives that are taking place in Vienna, demonstrating how local actions can be part of a larger, worldwide movement toward a healthier future.
As they returned to school, the students were eager to share what they learned with their peers and take action on the insights gained during the forum. To learn more about the UNODC Youth Forum and its initiatives, you can visit here.