As part of the eighth Mental Health Festival in Novi Sad, a panel discussion titled “Systemic Support for Youth in the Fight Against Substance Abuse and Prevention of Behavioral Addiction Disorders” was organized. The panel discussion was organized by the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue in collaboration with the Office for Combating Drugs of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, the Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, and the Youth Alliance of the OPEN Association. The panel discussion was preceded by a social dialogue on the topic of “Youth Mental Health.”

The Office for Combating Drugs, in cooperation with the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue and the Ministry of Tourism and Youth, collaboratively works to improve the prevention of substance abuse, with a special focus on supporting youth at the local level. The central theme of the panel discussion was the exchange of experiences and the creation of recommendations for enhancing prevention and support in the local community.

As panelists, representatives from the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue, the Ministry of Tourism and Youth, the Office for Drug Control, the Permanent Conference of Towns and Municipalities, the “Prevent” Association, and the “Restart” Association from Novi Sad were present.

The Director of the Office, Mr. Milan Pekic, concluded: “In the fight against substance abuse and the prevention of behavioral addiction disorders, a multisectoral, decentralized, and inclusive approach is crucial. This means that it is essential to involve all aspects of society and all instances at the national and local levels. As young people are the most vulnerable social group, it is necessary to provide them with support, education, and understanding to empower them to face the challenges that lead to addiction.”