The 11th Asian Youth Forum on Drug Use Prevention (formerly the Asian Youth Congress) was formerly launched on 16 September 2024. DAP is co-organising the Youth Forum with the Fourth Wave Foundation (FWF) in Kochi, India, with the support of Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), U.S. Department of State.

Mr CC Joseph, Director of FWF, delivered the welcome address. The Chief Guest, respected Mr C Balagopal, Former Chairman of the Board, Federal Bank, Kerala & Advisory Board Member of the Fourth Wave Foundation, delivered the keynote address. Ms Dichen Choden, Programme Officer of DAP, represented Colombo Plan in the opening ceremony. Ms Sneha Kuriachan Padayattil, Youth Leader, represented the youth delegates.

The first day included plenary sessions on ‘Youth Leadership in Drug Demand Reduction’ presented by Youth Leaders; ‘Engaging Youth in Prevention’ presented by DAP, FWF and trainers; and plenary sessions on ‘Understanding SUD’, and ‘Science of Prevention’.

A total of 150 Asian youth delegates, 14 youth leaders and five trainers will work together over five days to develop youth-led projects.