<p>In this episode of <em>Pathways to Prevention</em>, host <strong>Dave Closson</strong> spotlights a powerful youth-led global effort: the <strong>Youth Declaration on Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery</strong>.</p><p>What began as a spark at a CND side event in Vienna grew into a global core youth group, a multi-country survey, and a declaration that centers one clear message: <strong>nothing about us without us</strong>.</p><p>Dave is joined by youth leaders and organizers from across the world, including <strong>Cressida</strong> (World Federation Against Drugs), <strong>Sana</strong>, <strong>Fuhaira</strong>, and <strong>Muhammad</strong> (Pakistan Youth Organization). Together, they unpack how this declaration came to life, what they learned from youth in 60+ countries, and why meaningful youth participation must be treated as a design principle—not a box to tick.</p><p>---------------</p><p>If you are a <strong>youth leader</strong> or work with <strong>youth-serving organizations</strong>, this episode is your invitation to:</p><ol><li>Read the Youth Declaration and its full report to see where your current work already aligns with the six recommendations.</li><li>Share your story: If you’re already taking action that reflects the declaration—programs, policies, campaigns, or peer-led initiatives—send your activities and outcomes to [email protected] for possible inclusion in an upcoming global youth declaration web magazine.</li><li>Create real seats at the table: In your organization, community, or network, ask where youth are currently informed versus where they are truly involved in decision-making.</li></ol><p><strong>Resources Mentioned</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://wfad.se/youth-declaration/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Youth Declaration on Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery</a> – full text and data report</li><li><a href="https://wfad.se/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD)</a> – declaration partners and hosts of the global youth web magazine</li><li><a href="https://www.pyopk.org/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Pakistan Youth Organization</a> – a youth-focused organization that helped conceptualize and drive the declaration</li></ul>