Oriented on making people closer

Drugs are evil. We have all heard such statements at least once. But what is the danger, how to avoid the threat, and what to do if the problem still could not be avoided?

On Tuesday, July 4, an educational and informative campaign was held in Ashgabat, organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Turkmenistan, the Embassy of India, and the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Physical Culture and Sports. To warn young citizens of the country from bad influences and to promote a healthy lifestyle — these aspects were the key objectives of the event.

“ By organizing this event, we aim to educate young people about the risks associated with drug abuse, empower them with knowledge and skills to make informed decisions, and foster a supportive community that encourages positive behavior.

The impact of this information event on the youth of Turkmenistan can be far-reaching. It has the potential to inspire behavioral change, helping young people make healthier choices and avoid falling into the trap of substance abuse. By promoting education, awareness, and prevention, we can empower young individuals to become advocates for a drug-free society, not only benefiting themselves but also their families, communities, and ultimately contributing to the achievement of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals,” said the moderator of the event, Coordinator of the UN Young SDG Ambassadors Shukurgeldi Myradov.

Traditionally, the event began with introductory words. Dmitry Shlapachenko, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Turkmenistan, was the first to address the young visitors

“It is very important not to succumb to temptation, regardless of the situation. Narcotic drugs have many negative consequences and affect not only the health of an individual, but also society as a whole. However, the main thing is to admit the situation and understand what to do next. Many famous figures - Elton John, Eric Clapton - they, at one time, were quite addicted to drug use. But despite everything, they publicly admitted their mistake, got rid of addiction and continued to live happily, continued to create. You all know the actor who played Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.). He also was once addicted, but was able to get rid of the bad habit as well, thereby opening the doors wide for his career. The main thing in such a situation is awareness and understanding of the problem.”

Then the opening speeches were continued by the head of the UNODC office in Turkmenistan Mr. Chary Atayev, representative of the Embassy of India Ms. Kanishka Singh, Deputy head of the State Committee for Physical Culture and Sports Mr. Rahat Samatov, as well as representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Mr. Batyr Berkiliyev. All of them had a common message - young people should be aware of the dangers and risks in the modern world, as well as ways to prevent them.

“Even if you hold such an event only once, it will save you from many risks, and you, in turn, will continue to carry these ideas and build a better future. In recent years, the problem of drug abuse has become less common. Today's youth is the generation of social media and digital technologies. They have enough sources of information to understand all the risks and share their knowledge. There are all kinds of situations in life, but I believe that drugs are not an option. Speaking specifically about the young people of Turkmenistan, they are just excellent. I believe that they all have a great and bright future. They are optimistic and enthusiastic, and seeing lots of young guests here today really warms my heart," Ms. Singh shared in an interview with ORIENT correspondent.

After the opening remarks by representatives of local and international organizations, a yoga workshop was organized for the guests. The session was conducted by the coach of the capital's yoga center operating on the basis of the Embassy of India in Turkmenistan. Stretching the back, focusing attention, breathing exercises - in a short period of time, the guests got the maximum and tried themselves in a new role.

Well, then — an interactive part: quiz, chants, drawings – in a nutshell, noone had a chance to be bored. Young enthusiasts were divided into five teams, each of which was headed by one volunteer. The first stage of the competition was to come up with a name. Next, the teams had to draw a healthy person, assemble a puzzle with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, come up with a chant and movement, and the last step was a presentation of the teamwork done. A mini-quiz became a separate task. Since that was a competition, it was not without prizes. The jury, consisting of UNODC specialists, selected the winners in three categories: the best drawing, the best presentation, and the best answers to the quiz.

In conclusion, representatives of the UNODC office together with the participants launched balloons into the sky. This also had its own symbolism:

— People first! During today's event, we shared our knowledge and experience, discovered something new for ourselves. We all share the same opinion – health should be protected. Let such a message, just like these baloons, scatter all over the world!

These balls, which united many previously unfamiliar people and hearts, carried not only ideological message, but also a common desire — "May there always be a happy future, healthy people, and a peaceful life!"

Saparguly MAHTUMOV

Photo: by author, UNODC