As part of its commitment to community engagement and its responsibility to promote health awareness and positive social values, Al-Mustaqbal University hosted an awareness conference on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The event brought together representatives of the local government, security agencies, educational institutions, tribal leaders, and community figures from Babil Governorate, with the aim of strengthening collective efforts to combat drug abuse and protect young people from its harmful social, health, and economic consequences.
The conference reflects the University's vision of supporting national initiatives that contribute to building a safe and healthy society and promoting a culture of prevention and awareness as essential tools for addressing contemporary social challenges, particularly those related to youth protection and empowerment.
The event featured discussions on mechanisms for enhancing cooperation among academic, security, health, and educational institutions, as well as the presentation of several initiatives and measures aimed at raising public awareness of the dangers of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Participants emphasized the importance of integrating the roles of families, educational institutions, government bodies, and civil society organizations in addressing this issue.
Through hosting this conference, Al-Mustaqbal University reaffirmed the significance of community partnerships in supporting prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation efforts, thereby contributing to the creation of a safe and supportive environment for learning and development while enhancing society's capacity to confront challenges associated with drug abuse.
This initiative directly contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by supporting awareness and prevention programs aimed at reducing substance abuse and promoting community well-being; SDG 4 (Quality Education) through educational and awareness activities targeting students and youth; SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by supporting national efforts to reduce crime and strengthen community security; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through fostering collaboration among governmental, academic, and community institutions to address this critical societal challenge.
The conference also included a specialized awareness exhibition showcasing educational materials, informational brochures, and guidance posters highlighting the dangers of drug abuse and methods of prevention. The exhibition further presented the efforts of security and health authorities in combating drug-related issues, treatment approaches, and rehabilitation services, contributing to the enhancement of preventive awareness among students and attendees.
Al-Mustaqbal University remains committed to supporting awareness initiatives and community programs that contribute to building a more informed, secure, and sustainable society, in line with its academic mission and its dedication to advancing sustainable development at both local and national levels.