To create a world forum with and for our members, our 9th World Forum saw a unique concept in 2024. The global forum was conducted virtually to be accessible to all while it strongly focused on presenting the voice of our members. This unique setup led to a webinar series consisting of 4 different webinars spread over 4 months. The title of the World Forum Webinar Series was “Global Challenges – Local Solutions”.

Each webinar focused on a different theme within the framework of the Forum’s main title and its speakers were uniquely selected. Before each webinar, WFAD members were invited to submit an abstract, highlighting their work in relation to the webinar’s topic. Eligible abstracts were selected and set the agenda of the webinar. All webinars were summarised and recorded and are available to be watched.

 

Webinar I - Youth Engagement in a Digitalising World

Webinar II - Sensitised Treatment Approaches

On September 17th, we hosted the first webinar in our 9th virtual World Forum Series on “Global Challenges – Local Solutions”. The first webinar focused on Youth Engagement in a Digitalising World. Our speakers, representing our Youth Network as well as our member organisations closely working with youth, shed light on their activities for youth and provided tips on how to use the growing digital world in prevention efforts and youth engagement.

On October 16th, the second webinar in the series Global Challenges, Local Solutions, titled “Sensitised Treatment Approaches,” explored various holistic strategies for treating substance use disorders (SUDs) that emphasize the critical importance patient-sensitivity in treatment.

Read the summary here

Webinar III - Call for Action: Advancing Trauma Informed SUD Services

Webinar IV - Best Practice Enhancing The Human Right To Health

On November 25th a special event in honour of the Orange Day took place with the title “Call for Action: Advancing Trauma Informed SUD Services”. On this occasion WFAD in collaboration with ISSUP, The Global Women’s Network and UNODC highlighted the cruciality of trauma informed care, the effects of trauma on the brain and body and therefore its relevancy in SUD treatment and recovery.

Read the summary here.

The webinar, held on Human Rights Day (December 10th), served as the culmination of 16 Days of Activism, focusing on the vital role of human rights advocacy. It explored the intersection of health and human rights, particularly in the context of substance use disorders (SUDs), discrimination, and equitable access to healthcare.

Read the full summary here