General Women’s Union Launches Strategic Drug Prevention Track
The General Women's Union has unveiled a new initiative designed to combat the growing threat of drug promotion through digital platforms, drawing on international expertise and established success in cyber awareness.
The General Women’s Union has announced the development of a “Drug Prevention Track,” a strategic initiative launched during the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. This pioneering programme represents a significant expansion of the successful “Cyber Pulse for Women and Family” initiative, which operates under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation.
The new track emerges from a collaborative partnership between the General Women’s Union, the National Anti-Narcotics Authority, the UAE Cybersecurity Council, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. This international partnership reflects the UAE’s commitment to addressing evolving challenges posed by sophisticated drug promotion methods utilising cyberspace, social media platforms and electronic games.
The established “Cyber Pulse for Women and Family” initiative has demonstrated remarkable impact, training over 200 specialists and reaching more than 600,000 beneficiaries across the nation. This proven foundation provides an essential platform upon which the Drug Prevention Track will build, leveraging tested methodologies and established networks.
Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women’s Union, emphasised that safeguarding families and protecting young people represents a national responsibility requiring integrated efforts. She outlined the initiative’s ambition to translate strategic partnerships into practical, field-based programmes implemented through the National Cyber Pulse Network for Women and Family, empowering parents to recognise hidden dangers and equipping families with knowledge to protect future generations.
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, highlighted the critical importance of strengthening family awareness regarding grooming techniques and digital exploitation. He stressed that early recognition of such threats and open family dialogue provide the foundation for preventing digital harm, with the Drug Prevention Track enabling parents to understand contemporary challenges and respond appropriately.
Rashid Hamad Al Shamsi, Director-General of the National Anti-Narcotics Authority, affirmed the initiative’s alignment with the wise leadership’s vision for family preservation and cohesion. He noted that families represent the essential first line of defence against exploitation by drug promoters, and emphasised the Authority’s commitment to building effective partnerships that empower parents to identify warning signs, report incidents and access support promptly.
Source: WAM