Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The event brought together representatives of the media, partner government organizations, industry experts, and members of the public.

During the press conference, participants were provided with detailed information on the measures being implemented in Uzbekistan to combat drug abuse and drug-related crime, strengthen preventive efforts among the population—particularly young people—promote healthy lifestyles, and counter the illicit trafficking of narcotic substances.

It was emphasized that combating drug abuse is not only the responsibility of law enforcement agencies but also requires close cooperation among educational institutions, local communities (mahallas), families, and the wider public.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation is also carrying out extensive activities aimed at protecting students from the harmful effects of drug abuse and drug-related crime, promoting healthy lifestyles, and preventing offenses among youth.

In particular, within the framework of the nationwide preventive campaign “Combating the Spread of Drugs Among Youth,” as of June 12, 2026, higher education institutions organized 1,417 preventive events and 578 roundtable discussions and meetings with the participation of the Agency for Control of Narcotics and Firearms, law enforcement bodies, healthcare institutions, and narcology specialists. Educational videos highlighting the harmful consequences of drug abuse were screened, reaching a total of 265,098 students and young people.

The campaign activities were covered 1,345 times by national and regional television channels, newspapers, magazines, online media outlets, and social networks.

In cooperation with the Agency for Control of Narcotics and Firearms and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, professional training sessions were organized from January 5 to 10, 2026, for prevention inspectors assigned to higher education institutions. Experts from government agencies conducted both theoretical and practical training sessions.

Currently, monthly online meetings are held with prevention inspectors to analyze drug-related crimes involving students and develop recommendations for preventing such offenses.

A total of 856 preventive events under the theme “Drug Abuse Destroys Lives” were organized for out-of-school and unemployed youth in local communities, involving 117,809 participants. In higher education institutions, 1,234 educational and preventive events were held under the slogan “Say No to Drugs!”, reaching 234,502 students.

Student-led “Young Advocates Groups” were established in universities and conducted 705 targeted awareness campaigns focusing on the harmful consequences of drug abuse and drug-related crime.

A joint appeal calling on young people, parents, and educators to remain vigilant against drug abuse and related crimes was also developed. As part of this initiative, 2,477 discussion sessions were organized across higher education institutions with the participation of students, faculty members, and parents.

Based on the principle of “Mahalla – Family Clinic – Educational Institution,” 1,355 preventive activities were conducted with the participation of educators, healthcare professionals, prevention inspectors, and community activists, engaging 208,642 students and young people.

At present, “Qalqon” (Shield) Security Patrols operate in 187 higher education institutions across the country. These patrols include 6,070 students and 1,405 professors, tutors, and responsible staff members. Through their efforts, preventive measures against drug abuse and drug-related crime have been implemented in 169 higher education institutions.

In addition, theatrical performances under the slogan “Drug Abuse Destroys Lives” were staged by student theater groups, attracting 102,578 student participants.

To help students better understand the consequences of drug abuse and drug-related crime, visits to correctional institutions are being organized in cooperation with the Department for the Execution of Sentences under the Ministry of Internal Affairs. As of June 12, 2026, 103,647 students from 87 higher education institutions had visited 42 correctional facilities.

Furthermore, under the principle of “Education – Family – Mahalla,” the concept of a “Drug-Free Educational Institution” was approved and distributed to all higher education institutions for implementation. To encourage anonymous reporting of drug-related incidents, 486 special collection boxes have been installed in universities, and all submissions are regularly reviewed.

Participants also discussed ways to further strengthen preventive measures, protect young people from drug abuse and drug-related crime, promote healthy lifestyles, and enhance cooperation among government agencies, civil society institutions, and the media.

At the conclusion of the press conference, detailed responses were provided to questions from journalists. It was particularly emphasized that effective efforts against drug abuse require the active cooperation of all sectors of society.