Latest news with #GulfAnti-DrugWeek
Leaders
a day ago
- Health
- Leaders
In Photos: GCC Marks the International Day Against Drug Abuse, Illicit Trafficking
Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), emphasized the utmost priority given by GCC member states to combating drugs, explaining that this commitment stems from their belief in protecting societies and enhancing the security and safety of citizens. During the celebration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and the Gulf Anti-Drug Week, Albudaiwi addressed attendees, including representatives from the Ministries of Interior and relevant officials from GCC member states. He remarked, 'This occasion embodies the commitment of the GCC member states to continue collective and joint Gulf action.' A Unified Strategy for Drug Control Albudaiwi highlighted the Gulf Strategy for Combating Drugs (2025 – 2028) as a comprehensive framework. He explained, 'This strategy is based on key pillars, including reducing the supply and demand for drugs.' The strategy aims to dry up sources of drugs while promoting alternative development and enhancing the Gulf legislative system. He added, 'Combating drugs is a collective responsibility that requires integrated action, sustained effort, and close cooperation.' This approach involves collaboration between governments, societies, and individuals to effectively address drug-related issues. Albudaiwi underscored the vital role of families and society in drug prevention. He stated, 'They constitute the first line of defense against drugs through conscious upbringing, open dialogue, and continuous care.' Schools, media, religious leaders, and civil society institutions also play crucial roles in spreading awareness. He further emphasized, 'The family has a significant and valuable role in providing emotional and social support.' This support creates a stable environment that boosts the self-confidence of recovering individuals and encourages them to rebuild their lives. Supporting Recovery and Reintegration The Secretary General affirmed the importance of integrating recovering addicts into society. He noted, 'The GCC states have been keen to establish hospitals, centres, and institutions dedicated to this matter.' These facilities provide treatment and rehabilitation programs, ensuring active participation in society. Albudaiwi expressed pride in the cooperation with strategic partners across GCC member states, saying, 'We are keen to bolster these partnerships to ensure coordination and integration at the regional and international levels.' This collaboration aims to build safe, drug-free societies that protect future generations from the dangers of drug abuse. Short link : Post Views: 16
Daily Tribune
a day ago
- Daily Tribune
Gulf Shield
TDT | Manama Strategy spans rehab and policing The Gulf Cooperation Council has unveiled a sweeping anti-drug strategy for 2025 to 2028 that combines tougher enforcement with social reintegration programmes, marking one of the most comprehensive Gulf-wide actions against drug trafficking and addiction to date. GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi announced the plan at a regional celebration for Gulf Anti-Drug Week and the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, held at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh yesterday. High-level officials from interior ministries and anti-narcotics agencies across member states were present. Security and society combined Al-Budaiwi said the new strategy reflects unified action based on the directives of Gulf leaders, aiming to reduce both the supply and demand for drugs through an integrated framework that addresses prevention, security, and treatment. Key pillars of the 2025–2028 strategy include cutting supply chains, promoting alternative development, enhancing legislation, combating money laundering linked to drug trafficking, and building a regional monitoring system. It also emphasises training, capacity building, and coordinated awareness campaigns. Rehab and reintegration Significantly, the plan also highlights the importance of social integration for recovering addicts, calling on families and communities to serve as the first line of defence. Al-Budaiwi urged a cultural shift that supports recovering addicts in regaining self-confidence and participating actively in society. Hospitals, treatment centres, and rehabilitation programmes in GCC countries will be tasked with offering support through education, skills training, and job placement, while combating stigma that may hinder longterm recovery. Call for regional unity The Secretary- General stressed that drug control is a shared responsibility and praised ongoing partnerships with ministries of health, justice, education, and social affairs, in addition to customs agencies, coast guards, and national committees. He reaffirmed the GCC's commitment to deepening cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and other international bodies to ensure cross-border coordination and lasting impact. The strategy is expected to serve as a unifying roadmap across the region in confronting what Al-Budaiwi called a 'dangerous scourge' threatening Gulf societies and future generations.
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Gulf states committed to building drug-free societies: Al-Budaiwi
RIYADH, June 26: Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassim Al-Budaiwi, reaffirmed on Thursday the unwavering commitment of GCC member states to combating drug abuse and trafficking, emphasizing their dedication to safeguarding Gulf communities and reinforcing the safety and security of the region's citizens. His remarks came during a ceremony marking both the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and the Gulf Anti-Drug Week. The event, held at the GCC General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh, was attended by senior officials from the interior ministries and other relevant authorities of GCC countries. Al-Budaiwi highlighted that the occasion underscores the collective resolve of the Gulf states to continue united efforts to protect societies from the dangers of narcotics, in line with directives issued by GCC leaders. These directives consider the preservation of societal security a shared national responsibility that necessitates cooperation on security, legislative, and awareness-raising fronts. He further explained that the Gulf Anti-Drug Strategy for 2025–2028 provides a comprehensive framework to guide the region's efforts. The strategy focuses on reducing both the supply and demand of drugs, eliminating sources of trafficking, promoting alternative development, strengthening legislation, combating money laundering, and enhancing joint monitoring and capacity-building. It aims to ensure an integrated approach encompassing prevention, treatment, and security measures. Al-Budaiwi stressed that the fight against drugs is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated action and sustainable cooperation between governments, communities, and individuals. He noted that the GCC Secretariat is actively working to implement the strategy and support initiatives that contribute to building drug-free societies. He underscored the pivotal role of families and communities as the first line of defense through education and sustained care. Educational institutions, religious bodies, media organizations, and civil society also play a crucial part in fostering awareness and creating a safe and healthy social environment. Moreover, Al-Budaiwi highlighted the importance of reintegrating recovering addicts into society by providing psychological and social support. He pointed out that GCC countries have established specialized hospitals and rehabilitation centers aimed at treatment, empowerment, and breaking the stigma surrounding addiction. In conclusion, Al-Budaiwi expressed his appreciation for the ongoing collaboration with ministries and agencies across the Gulf, including the ministries of interior, health, education, justice, and social affairs. He also acknowledged the vital roles of customs authorities, coast guards, national committees, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in the joint effort to combat drug abuse.
