Addiction Prevention and Recovery
The 6th Istanbul Initiative Summit, held in Istanbul, Türkiye, on 23-24 October 2025, convened 38 representatives from 32 non-governmental organizations across 30 countries, reaffirming the Initiative’s role as a global platform for collaboration on addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery.
The Summit provided a forum for in-depth and forward-looking discussions on emerging challenges in the global drug landscape. Participants examined trends in youth drug use, the implications of cannabis legalization, the growing threat of synthetic drugs, recent policy developments, and the impact of harm reduction approaches. Broader structural challenges, including the shrinking space for civil society organizations, were also a central focus.
Addressing Global Challenges Through Shared Experience
Country updates from members and observers highlighted the diverse realities faced by NGOs worldwide. While many organizations reported common challenges such as funding shortages and political constraints, the discussions also showcased innovative responses, including the development of social enterprises and the use of culturally tailored prevention and intervention strategies.
The Summit further explored the integration of demand reduction strategies with mental health promotion and resilience-building, emphasizing that prevention efforts are most effective when they address social, psychological, and community-level factors together.
Youth Engagement and Sport-Based Approaches
A recurring theme throughout the Summit was the importance of youth engagement and leadership development. Participants underlined the need to involve young people not only as beneficiaries, but as active contributors to prevention and recovery efforts. Sport-based prevention and recovery initiatives were highlighted as promising approaches to fostering resilience, social inclusion, and healthy lifestyles among young people.
Commitment to Evidence-based Policy and Collaboration
The discussions reinforced the Istanbul Initiative’s shared commitment to evidence-based policy, global cooperation, and the integration of prevention, treatment, and recovery within a comprehensive public health framework. Participants agreed that addressing emerging drug-related threats requires coordinated, multi-sectoral approaches that combine scientific rigor, community engagement, strategic advocacy, and youth empowerment.
High-Level Participation
The Summit was honored by the participation of Prof. Dr. Kemal Memişoğlu, Minister of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, who joined a high-level session. The Minister presented Türkiye’s integrated national approach to addiction, encompassing prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and enforcement, as well as responses to emerging behavioral dependencies such as digital and gaming addiction.
Looking Ahead
The 6th Istanbul Initiative Summit concluded with the shared understanding to translate insights into sustained, coordinated action. Looking forward, participants emphasized strengthening structured global collaboration among civil society organizations, investing in evidence-based prevention and recovery strategies, and enhancing advocacy capacity within international policy forums. Priorities include developing shared knowledge hubs, supporting youth leadership and meaningful participation, improving early warning and monitoring systems for emerging substances, and advancing innovative, sustainable funding models for NGOs. By aligning prevention, mental health, human rights, and community resilience within a comprehensive public health framework, the Istanbul Initiative aims to reinforce its role as a forward-looking platform capable of responding effectively to evolving global drug-related challenges.
