The theme for this year's International Day and our competition is "The evidence is clear: invest in prevention." We recognize the pivotal role that young people play in shaping the future of their communities and society at large. Through their creativity, passion, and dedication, youth can drive positive change and contribute to building resilient and drug-free societies.

• CATEGORIES:

Participants should answer to the question “How can young people creatively contribute to drug use prevention among youth?” and can submit their works in the following categories:
• Written: Essays, research papers, articles, poems, stories, etc.
(Maximum word limit: 1000 words)
• Audio-Visuals: Videos, podcasts, multimedia presentations, etc.
(Overall duration should not be longer than 2 minutes)
• Visuals: Artwork, photography, digital illustrations, graphic designs and posters, etc.
(Not more than 3 pieces)

• PRIZES:

1 winner from each of 5 countries of the region will be selected in each category. Prizes include tablets, headphones, and speakers for winners, providing valuable tools to support their continued efforts in advocating creatively for drug-free communities

• ELIGIBILITY:

To participate in the competition, individuals must meet the following criteria:
1. Age: Between 14 and 35 years old at the time of submission.
2. Countries: Citizens of one of the Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan).

• SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

Competition works must adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Originality: Works must be prepared solely by the participant, without using any AI tools.
2. Language: Submissions can be in English or Russian.
3. Non-Publication: Works should not have been submitted for publication elsewhere.
4. Copyright: Participants must have the necessary rights, licenses, consents, and permissions for all materials used in their submission. AI is not allowed to use.
5. Summary: Each submission must be accompanied by a 150-300 word summary outlining the background, objectives, and idea.

• GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION:

To ensure submissions effectively convey the competition theme and adhere to the UNODC/WHO International Standards on Drug Use Prevention, participants should follow these guidelines:
1. Message Clarity and Relevance: Submissions must provide clear, accurate messages about drug use prevention. Focus on innovative, evidence-based approaches that align with UNODC/WHO International standards on drug use prevention. Highlight how youth can prevent drug use among peers, using creative methods suited to the regional context.
2. Avoiding Vague Expressions: Avoid generic slogans like "No to drugs" etc. Instead, articulate specific strategies, actions, and messages that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of drug prevention, promoting a nuanced discussion beyond simplistic prohibitions.
3. Adherence to Theme and Question: Ensure all works strictly adhere to the competition theme, "The evidence is clear: invest in prevention," and question, "How can young people creatively contribute to drug use prevention among youth?" Focus on evidence-based strategies endorsed by UNODC/WHO International Standards on Drug Use Prevention, highlighting practical applications within communities.
4. Creative and Youth-Focused Solutions: Propose creative solutions that resonate with youth, reflecting innovative thinking and practical approaches to preventing drug use. Emphasize actions that can be implemented by youth, for youth, fostering a peer-led movement against drug abuse.

• SUBMISSION PROCESS:

Participants can submit their works by completing THIS registration form. The deadline for submissions is July 31st 2024, at 23:59 Tashkent time.

The results and names of the winners will be announced on the International Youth Day, August 12th, on the UNODC ROCA platforms.