The highest priority when implementing national drug policy in line with the UNGASS Outcome Document, must be the care for young people. Drug policies shall most of all protect children and youth from drug use, the consequences of drug use, and the sale of illegal substances, as described in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Preventing drug use in adolescence is the best investment for the individual and the society. Prevention is humane. It gives immediate and good results. Prevention is needed and effective in all cultures. It is cost effective. It gives life-long positive outcomes.

We appeal to governments to prioritize the implementation of programmes and interventions that promote the well-being of children and youth:
• Low prevalence: Governments must make reducing drug use prevalence rates and keeping them low a national priority and regularly
monitor prevalence figures;
• Community action: Governments must empower local communities
to develop plans and strategies to mobilize and protect young people;
• School programmes: Governments must give accurate information
on the risks of drug use and make life-skills programmes part of school
curriculums;
• Support parents: Governments must implement better-parenting
programmes to help parents succeed;
• Early intervention: Governments must have systems in schools to
identify and assist vulnerable children and youth.