The first MENA Seminar of International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC) will be inaugurated in Abu Dhabi today at Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) in Abu Dhabi. The two-day event is being co-hosted by the National Rehabilitation Center (NRC).
Top international experts, health professionals, senior doctors, professors, opinion leaders and specialists are attending the conference, which is aimed at examining the current state of drug policies in the region, identify the key areas for discussion and improvement, and agree on a method of working together to develop networking and advocacy activities on the issue.
Addressing a press conference today, NRC Director General Dr Hamad Al Ghafri emphasised the need for cooperation among all members of the community to help drug addicts to recover and to regain their normal life.
Dr Al Ghafri said hosting the conference was part of the numerous initiatives taken by the Centre, including a comprehensive campaign for protection against the evils of drugs.
“Addiction is a curable disease, depending on the addict’s psychological readiness and the extent of cooperation offered by the people around them,” he added.
The conference will comprise seven sessions focusing on the MENA Drug Policy Challenges and Responses, Prevention, Treatment, Harm Reduction, Drug Laws and Enforcement, Proposals for a Regional Network, followed by Conclusions and the Way Forward.
Dr Al Ghafri went on to say that the NRC will host the event as part of its strategy to equip the society amidst rising challenges due to the rapid development under way in the region, and to develop necessary policies to go with sustained growth of Abu Dhabi across sectors.
The hosting of the conference was aimed at reinforcing the country’s position as one of the leading nations across the globe, and be recognized as the thought-leaders in dealing with social causes.
The International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC) is a global network of 56 non-governmental organizations and professional networks who come together to promote humane and effective drug policies. IDPC’s network includes experts on various aspects of drug policy and program development, many of whom have been involved in writing and reviewing government policies in this difficult area.
The aim of IDPC is to provide a mechanism for interested NGOs and key opinion leaders to engage constructively with national governments and international agencies on drug policy issues, and offer a consultancy and advice service to policy makers as they work to review and modernize their policies and strategies.
WAM