SLP students take part in the First Global Forum for Youth Leaders on Drug Use Prevention

Eleven students from the Student Leadership Program (SLP) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) participated in the First Global Forum for Youth Leaders on Drug Use Prevention held in Abu Dhabi February 10-14, 2014. The forum was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; and in partnership with the Colombo Plan for Cooperative Economic and Social Development in Asia and the Pacific. The National Rehabilitation Center (NRC) in the United Arab Emirates organized the event.

The forum aimed to open up new channels of communication between young Emiratis and their peers from around the world. The sessions and workshops provided the participants with the necessary skills and scientific solutions to combat the disease of addiction, to lead a healthier lifestyle, and to inspire those around them to do the same.

"This was an event that I will never forget. Filled with memories, laughter and fun, this forum taught me how to be a leader in my own community, how to build up my self-esteem and, confidence and, most importantly, how 'I can' and 'I will' build up my dreams," said Maria Hakim, a junior student majoring in biology. "Youth from all around the world were hand in hand with one goal and that is preventing the use of drugs. We functioned as one person and not as separate individuals. Furthermore, we learned how to communicate and deliver our messages clearly. I now know that my voice is important and must be heard if I want to change the world. We, the youth, are the leaders of the future and we will change the world."

"The Student Leadership Program continues to provide our students with enriching opportunities locally, regionally and internationally. The Global Forum for Youth Leaders on Drug Use Prevention brought together people from all walks of life and increased awareness about the danger of drugs. We are confident that our students will take what they learned and pass it along to their peers and communities," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.