Asian Regional Forum Against Drug 2019 Inaugurated by Governor

KOCHI:
The Asian Regional Forum against Drugs organised by the World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD) and the Fourth Wave Foundation’s Project VENDA was inaugurated by Arif Muhammed Khan, the Governor of Kerala, today at the Four Point Sheraton Kakkanad, Kochi.

The Forum is significant because, in the last two decades there has been a striking increase in demand, supply and distribution of drugs and narcotics globally. A serious public health epidemic of prescription drug abuse driving up the rates of overdose deaths has become a health concern in many nations. Compounding these problems, a global movement has emerged, working to normalize nonmedical drug use and sale of illegal psychoactive substances. Well-funded efforts by global elites are working to legalize and commercialize drug sales and use.

Keeping this in mind, the world has decided to come together to discuss on what could be done. The chief guest, Governor Arif Khan, addressed the audience about the need to work together and manage the menace collectively. The governor stressed on the importance of the role youth has to play in this collaborative effort against the issue of substance abuse. A Forum of this kind, said the governor has a significant role in sharing best practices through networking and advocacy and will benefit the region in working together to combat the issue.

He lauded the organisers for bringing the youth together on the third day, because he said it is youth who should lead these efforts. The Forum will have almost 100 college students from 14 districts as a part of S. A. F.E. Forum 2019 on the final day (27th Sept). He also mentioned the need to include the Professionals especially the technology leaders and start-ups to work in tandem with the community for a Substance Abuse free Environment and thus containing the issue.

“A social audit is required in ensuring a substance free environment in their premises” said the governor. “Substance abuse appears to be a big threat but this is not subject which can be deliberated in single forum but efforts should be made in a regular basis to create more awareness, campaigns and through concrete proposals. We cannot ignore this menace because we need to save our children”.

He mentioned “For him this was a first time he is attending a conference against substance abuse” and offered his support for fighting this menace of drug abuse in Kerala. Raja shanmugham, Ex-CPO Happiest Minds Technologies and Board of Directors of Fourth Wave Foundation gave the welcome address.

Balagopal Chandrasekar, director of Federal Bank and stressed on the importance of cooperates investing in social development initiatives. Federal Bank is the title sponsor of the ARFAD 2019. The Director of National Institute of Social Defense (NISD), Veerendra Mishra gave the Felicitation address and talked about NDPS act and briefed the need to reduce Drug demand. Shibulal, Ex-CEO Infosys and Founder Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives gave the presidential address on ‘Need for Supporting efforts of civil societies working towards a National Action Plan’ with respect to Kerala drug abuse scenario.

The event is in partnership with the United Nations Office Against Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Commissionerate of Excise-Govt of Kerala. Mohammad Arif khan unvield the story book the ‘Nammal Ariyatha Nammude Kochi’: A Handful of Heroes. C C Joseph, director of Fourth wave foundation given the vote of thanks..