The 6th Youth Advocacy Forum (YAF 2025), organized by the Turkish Green Crescent Society in collaboration with UNODC and supported by IFGC, was held between 21–23 November 2025 and brought together 29 young participants from 16 countries, including Country Green Crescent volunteers. This year’s Forum once again underscored the essential role of youth in building healthier, safer, and more resilient societies through sport. The opening day featured keynote speeches from distinguished participants. Doruk Malhan, Vice President of the Turkish Green Crescent Society, emphasized the importance of empowering youth as advocates for healthier and addiction-free communities. Georgia Dimitropoulou, UNODC Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer, highlighted the significance of sport-based prevention in fostering inclusion, justice, and resilience. Dr. Tasnim Atatrah, WHO Representative to Türkiye, underlined the need for youth-centered health promotion and multistakeholder collaboration. Assoc. Prof. Safa Koçoğlu, Deputy Minister from the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports, stressed Türkiye’s commitment to youth leadership and safe community environments through sport. The programme also welcomed Mehmet Kani Polat, Chair of the World Taekwondo Athletes Committee and Captain of the Turkish National Taekwondo Team, who shared his experiences on the power of sportsmanship and discipline in shaping youth development. Country Green Crescent volunteers supported by IFGC and participating from nine countries included Umma Limongi (Colombia), Fareed Damra (Jordan – Jordan Anti-Drug Society), Antonella Alexandre (Uruguay), Aqilah Binti Zulkifli (Malaysia), Suhail Bismilla (South Africa), Layan Hammad (Jordan), Karim Abou Melhem (Lebanon), Onur Naim (Palestine), Rayane Bouadi (Belgium), Nasser Hafid (Belgium), and Imane Boujemaoui (Belgium). On 22–23 November, the Forum continued at the Riva National Teams Training and Camp Center with an intensive programme delivered by UNODC’s Georgia Dimitropoulou and Turkish Green Crescent Society trainer Merve Fidan. Participants took part in life skills sessions focusing on critical thinking, media literacy, communication, advocacy, and healthy living, as well as UNODC’s interactive training activities designed to strengthen leadership and resilience. The event concluded with a certificate ceremony and closing session, celebrating the achievements of the young participants and reinforcing their dedication to promoting healthier and safer communities in their respective countries. Through UNODC’s leadership and the support of IFGC, YAF 2025 successfully strengthened international youth cooperation, empowered young leaders, and advanced sustainable, sport-based approaches to prevention and community well-being worldwide.

The International Green Crescent Journal has released its fifth issue, continuing its mission to shed light on global challenges in the field of addiction, migration, crisis, wars, and public health. This edition brings together diverse perspectives, expert commentaries, and on-the-ground experiences from different regions of the world, reflecting the journal’s dedication to raising awareness and fostering solutions for healthier societies. This issue features a wide range of important articles and commentaries, including: Decoding Migration and Addiction in Europe – An in-depth interview with Charlotte De Kock, examining the links between migration flows and addiction risks. Syria’s Captagon Conundrum and the Jordan-Syria Case – Commentary by Mousa Daoud exploring the Captagon crisis and its cross-border implications. “We Cannot See Tomorrow!” –A critical interview with Al-Huda Association from Palestine, focusing on addiction treatment amid the devastating humanitarian crisis. Drug Addiction: A Global Threat and Societal Challenges in Pakistan – Commentary by Dr. Syed Abdurrehman analyzing the widespread impact of drug use in South Asia. The Unwilling Migration and Addiction: A Literature Review of Venezuelan Refugees in Brazil – Scholarly commentary by Silva, Ferreira, and Aich, connecting forced migration with vulnerability to addiction. Refugees and Addiction in Global and Regional Dimensions – Article by Şeyma Ebru Altıntaş providing a comparative look at refugees’ pain worldwide. Sustainable Development Goals and Public Health – Commentary by Rachael Stanton highlighting how global goals intersect with health and addiction prevention. Alcohol-Substance Use Disorders and Disasters – Article by Gamze Zengin İspir examining how disasters increase vulnerability to substance use. With the theme “Transforming Crisis into Recovery”, this issue emphasizes the resilience of societies facing conflict, displacement, and disaster while striving for healthier futures.   📖 Explore full issue here in English 📖 Explore full issue here in Turkish

The Second World Summit for Social Development, held on 5 November 2025 in Doha, Qatar under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), brought together global leaders and experts to discuss inclusive and sustainable development. Among the distinguished participants was Amb. Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu, Secretary-General of the International Federation of Green Crescents (IFGC) and Vice President of the Turkish Green Crescent Society. During the summit, Amb. Dr. Güllüoğlu delivered a two-minute intervention at the physical event organized by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Family and Social Services. In his remarks, he emphasized the central role of the family in preventing addiction and strengthening social resilience. Dr. Güllüoğlu underlined that “behind every resilient individual stands a strong and caring family,” describing the family as society’s most powerful protector. He highlighted the Turkish Green Crescent’s family-centered prevention model, stressing that prevention begins at home—with informed parents, connected families, and supportive communities. Addressing the challenges posed by digitalization, migration, and economic pressures, he called for holistic policy approaches that reinforce family well-being, emotional connection, and healthy digital habits. In addition to his in-person contribution, Amb. Dr. Güllüoğlu participated in an online session, titled “Addressing the Economic and Social Costs of Addiction for Inclusive and Sustainable Development.” The session gathered international experts and partner organizations working in addiction prevention and social policy. The session featured speakers including Mehmet Fatih Kılıç (Ministry of Family and Social Services, Republic of Türkiye), Yasmine Sabih (Al Najm), Matej Košir (UTRIP Institute), George Ochieng Odalo (Slum Child Foundation), and Michael Dean (Community Alliances for Drug-Free Youth – CADFY). They discussed the complex economic and social impacts of addiction, emphasizing the need for stronger, coordinated global action and sharing practical strategies to address these challenges. In his contribution, Dr. Güllüoğlu emphasized that addiction must be addressed not only as a health concern but also as a major social and economic challenge affecting productivity, social cohesion, and sustainable development. He reaffirmed the IFGC’s commitment to fostering global partnerships that promote preventive education, community resilience, and inclusive policies aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).