19 May

World Forum Against Drugs

On 19 and 20 May, Dianova International will attend for the third time the World Forum Against Drugs (WFAD), where our representatives will have the opportunity to meet and get to know relevant actors in the field of drug policy, deal with the current situation and learn from good practices developed in other countries.

Where

The event will be organized jointly with the Conference of European Cities Against Drugs (ECAD) in Stockholm.

Participants

The forum will be attended by 400 participants from different countries with a diversity of profiles (NGOs, governments, academics) yet all dedicated to substance abuse treatment and prevention. Renowned speakers and professionals from the addiction and medicine fields will participate in the event, including:

• H.M. Queen Silvia of Sweden,
• Maria Larsson, Minister for Health and Social Affairs of Sweden,
• Antonio Maria Costa, former director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
• Raymond Yans, former president of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).

Topics

• Concern about the tendency to legalize cannabis around the world and its consequences.
• Academic studies about the harm of cannabis use, especially for teenagers.
• Coordination of best practices between health and judicial systems.
• Role of NGOs around the world in preventing drug use and discussion on how NGOs can become involved in the United Nations General Assembly Special Session to be held in 2016 (UNGASS).
• Call to action to prepare for UNGASS 2016

The meeting draws attention to this event to help curb the legalization trends of many of its participants. Furthermore, it is important to set up platforms to organize the participation of civil society in the policy-making process

* NB: please note that the position of the World Forum on Drugs does not necessarily reflect that of Dianova International

12 Mar

Parallel Event to CSW 58: Education, Gender and Maternal Health – Social and Public Welfare

Dianova International will organize a parallel event in the context of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW58). The event, organized together with other nonprofit and religious organizations, will emphasize the confluences of human rights, justice and sustainable development, as they pertain to maternal health and the education of women and girls.

Where

The event will take place at the CCUN Tillman Chapel, in collaboration with the General Board of Church and Society (Methodist Church), Healthy Families Healthy Planet, United Methodist Women and Freedom from Fistula Foundation.

Contents

In line with what is proposed at CSW58, Dianova and other organizations will focus on improving maternal health and breaking down the structural and cultural barriers that women must face. Barriers that prevent not only physical health but also their chances of receiving education or lead productive lives. In addition to suggesting a primary education for all, especially for girls, as a solid foundation to prepare them for adolescence and adulthood.

Participants

After the presentation of the Rev. Liberato C. Bautista, from the Methodist Church; Susan Burton, Director of the Defence of youths and women of the General Board of Church and Society will moderate the panel composed of:

• Shanon Trilli, Director of Global Health Initiatives United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).
• Elizabeth Ketels, Vice-President of Goldman Sachs and representative of the Freedom from Fistula Foundation.
• Mercedes Acevedo, Nicaraguan tenth grade high school student and first year student of Agriculture and Livestock at “Esther del Río – Las Marías” school of the Dianova Nicaragua Foundation.