This statement was made during a workshop focused on developing the Gulf strategy to combat drugs, held in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), from 16 to 19 September 2024. The workshop was organised by the UAE Ministry of Interior in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the GCC and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

At the outset of his address, HE the Secretary General expressed his sincere gratitude to the UAE for hosting this significant workshop, which aligns with the directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC countries, and is in implementation of the resolutions made during the 40th meeting of Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the Ministers of Interior of the GCC countries, convened in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, on November 8, 2023. Recognitions were also extended to Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the UAE, for his keen interest, diligent follow-up and unwavering support in ensuring the success of this workshop.

His Excellency explained that the unprecedented rise in the impact of drugs on society, not only in terms of public health but also in social, economic and political security, necessitates urgent action, especially as Gulf societies and their youth have become targets of organised gangs. He further alborated that these groups persist in their destructive agenda, seeking to poison the youth across the globe. Consequently, mobilising Gulf efforts and fostering continued coordination and cooperation among GCC countries is now an essential and urgent matter, adding that this workshop represents a vital step towards enhancing Gulf cooperation in addressing this escalating issue that poses serious risks to our societies.

His Excellency underscored that the responsibility is collective and that the success of any strategy hinges on the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, noting that the drug issue is not merely an individual challenge but a societal crisis that necessitates a united front, as it is crucial to align our visions and plans, recognising that drug addiction affects not only the user but also undermines the very fabric of family and society. Thus, developing a unified Gulf strategy to combat drugs requires full commitment and shared responsibility to protect our youth and secure our future.

In conclusion, HE the the Secretary General renewed his heartfelt gratitude to the UAE for its generous hospitality, to the United Nations for its ongoing support, and to all entities and institutions that contributed to the organisation of this event, particularly the members of the General Secretariat of the GCC and the staff in the Assistant Secretariat for Security Affairs for their tireless and distinguished efforts, expressing that he looks forward to fruitful discussions and constructive recommendations that will strengthen our collective efforts to safeguard our societies.