GCC Secretary General Calls For Unified Effort To Combat Drug Trafficking And Abuse

The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, highlighted the extensive consequences of drug trafficking and abuse, which impact not just individuals but also families and communities. He called on GCC member states to unite in combating this threat to the region's youth and future.

Albudaiwi emphasized that drug addiction is a collective issue affecting entire communities. Addressing it requires joint visions and plans. He noted that addiction threatens the fabric of families and society, making a unified Gulf strategy essential to protect youth and safeguard the future.

During the "Preparing the GCC Strategy for Combating Drugs" workshop, held from September 16 to 19, 2024, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Albudaiwi stressed that drugs pose a significant threat to social, economic, and political security. He pointed out that organized crime syndicates target Gulf societies, especially the youth, aiming to undermine communities globally.

This workshop was hosted by the UAE Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the GCC General Secretariat and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). It represents a crucial step toward enhancing Gulf cooperation to address the growing drug problem threatening regional societies.

Albudaiwi expressed gratitude to the UAE for hosting the event and thanked the UN for its continuous support. He also acknowledged all organizations and institutions involved in organizing the event. Specifically, he praised the efforts of the GCC General Secretariat and assistant secretaries for their diligent work.

Collective Responsibility

Albudaiwi reiterated that tackling drug issues is a collective responsibility. The success of any strategy depends on collaboration among all stakeholders. He stressed that drug addiction is not merely an individual challenge but a crisis affecting entire communities.

He urged for consolidated Gulf efforts and maintained coordination among GCC countries as crucial steps. Albudaiwi was keen on seeing fruitful discussions and constructive recommendations during the workshop to strengthen efforts in protecting communities.

The Secretary General underscored that addressing drug problems requires full commitment from all parties involved. He highlighted that coming up with a unified Gulf strategy is vital for protecting youth and ensuring a secure future for everyone in the region.

The workshop's discussions are expected to yield valuable insights and recommendations that will bolster efforts against drug trafficking and abuse across Gulf societies. Albudaiwi's call for unity reflects a strong commitment to safeguarding regional stability through collaborative action against drugs.

With inputs from SPA