RIYADH, June 26 (KUNA) -- Secretary General of GCC Jassim Al-Budaiwi affirmed on Thursday that the Gulf states prioritize combating drugs, stemming from their commitment to protecting Gulf societies and enhancing the security and safety of the region's citizens from this dangerous scourge.
This came during the celebration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and the Gulf Anti-Drug Week, which was held at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh, and attended by a number of officials from the Ministries of Interior and relevant authorities in the GCC countries.
In his speech, the Secretary General said that this occasion embodies the commitment of the GCC member states to continue collective and joint Gulf action to protect "our societies and enhance the security and safety of our citizens from the scourge of drugs." He pointed out that the Gulf Strategy for Combating Drugs for the years 2025-2028 constitutes an integrated framework for guiding the efforts of the GCC states. It includes axes for reducing supply and demand, drying up sources, promoting alternative development, developing legislation, combating money laundering, capacity building, training, and joint monitoring, ensuring the integration of preventive, therapeutic, and security dimensions.
He stressed that combating drugs is a collective responsibility that requires integrated action and sustained cooperation between governments, communities, and individuals.
He noted that the General Secretariat is proceeding with implementing the strategy and supporting initiatives that contribute to building drug-free societies.
Al-Budaiwi explained that the family and society represent the first line of defense through conscious upbringing and ongoing care, while educational, religious, media, and civil society institutions contribute to spreading awareness and building a healthy and safe environment.
He noted that schools, media, religious leaders, and civil society institutions have an equally important role in spreading awareness and building a healthy and safe environment that protects youth from falling into these dangers.
In the same context, he stressed the importance of highlighting the societal integration of recovering addicts as a fundamental pillar for ensuring the success and sustainability of recovery and preventing relapse. Al-Budaiwi expressed his appreciation for the ongoing cooperation with the relevant ministries and agencies in the GCC countries, in addition to customs authorities, the coast guard, national committees, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (end) kns.nhq