KUWAIT CITY, June 30: Kuwait marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Sunday with a series of events highlighting the urgent need for collective action to tackle drug-related challenges, with a strong emphasis on youth-led initiatives and expert engagement.

Speaking at the Red Line forum held at the National Library, Acting Deputy Director General of the Public Authority for Youth (PAY), Waleed Al-Ansari, underscored the importance of uniting societal efforts to combat the spread of drugs. He emphasized that supporting youth initiatives that raise awareness is key to addressing this growing threat.

The forum was organized by the Kasra Center for Criminology and Sociology Research with support from the PAY and held under the patronage of the Minister of Information and Culture and the Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi. Al-Ansari conveyed the Minister’s greetings and reaffirmed PAY’s commitment to backing youth-driven programs that contribute to public well-being. He also called for the use of modern communication and technology tools to deliver impactful anti-drug awareness messages.

The event brought together experts in drug prevention, including representatives from the Kuwait Society for Drug Prevention (Gharas). Mohammed Al-Roumi, head of Gharas’ youth division, highlighted the importance of adopting a compassionate and understanding approach toward individuals struggling with addiction, describing reform as a journey supported by empathy, not judgment.

Al-Roumi noted that Gharas has led numerous awareness campaigns and community initiatives focused on prevention and human dignity. He described the forum as a timely platform for further educating the public about the dangers threatening young people who fall into drug abuse.

Kasra Center founder and director Abdulwahab Al-Enezi stated that the forum aligns with the center's broader efforts to address crime, including drug-related offenses. He expressed gratitude to Minister Al-Mutairi, the Youth Authority, and participating organizations for their support. Al-Enezi also pointed to the presence of specialists in criminology, sociology, psychology, and psychiatry as a vital component in educating youth about the risks of drug addiction and in shaping a brighter future.

Prominent experts participating in the forum included Dr. Ahmed Al-Shatti, Secretary General of Gharas; Dr. Hussein Al-Shatti, Director of the Addiction Treatment Center; psychiatrist Dr. Amir Zarab; and academic and media expert Dr. Khaled Al-Shatti. They all stressed the critical role of awareness and prevention in protecting the community from the harms of drug abuse.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior (MoI), through its Center for Quality Control, Scientific Research and Training, held a symposium titled “Drugs: Between Reality and Hope” at the Saad Al-Abdullah Academy for Security Sciences. The event was hosted in the building named after retired Major General Abdul Latif Al-Thuwaine and attended by Brigadier General Ali Al-Wuhaib, Director General of the Academy, alongside senior figures from the education and training sectors.

The symposium explored four main themes: a scientific overview of drugs, strategies for prevention and control, a legal analysis of drug-related crimes, and practical experiences in the field. Participants reviewed both local and international challenges, as well as the need for cohesive efforts among security bodies, health institutions, and community organizations.

According to organizers, the event forms part of the Academy’s ongoing scientific and training programs aimed at enhancing awareness and developing research skills among security personnel. Discussions also focused on forward-looking approaches to improve prevention and support mechanisms in the national fight against drug abuse.