The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has launched a global youth-focused campaign aimed at preventing youth violence and crime through storytelling, creative expression, and youth participation. The initiative seeks to amplify the voices of young people worldwide, particularly those directly affected by violence, exclusion, or contact with justice systems.
The campaign is designed to shift global conversations on crime prevention from enforcement-only approaches toward more inclusive, youth-centred strategies that address root causes and strengthen protective factors within communities.
Youth Participation at the Centre of Crime Prevention
The UNODC initiative recognizes that young people are often spoken about in policy discussions on crime and violence, but are not always actively included in shaping solutions. This campaign seeks to correct that imbalance by creating structured spaces for youth expression and engagement.
According to the programme framework, crime prevention is not limited to law enforcement. Instead, it requires a broader understanding of:
- Structural and social drivers of youth violence
- Community-based protection and support systems
- Rehabilitation and reintegration pathways
- Access to education, employment, and opportunity
- Strengthening resilience and social cohesion
By elevating youth perspectives, the campaign aims to improve the effectiveness and relevance of global crime prevention strategies.
Who Can Participate in the Campaign
The campaign is open to young people aged 18 to 29 from all regions of the world. UNODC is particularly encouraging participation from individuals who have lived experience or direct exposure to violence, crime, or justice systems.
Eligible participants include youth who:
- Have experienced or witnessed violence in their communities
- Have been affected by crime or social exclusion
- Have had contact with the criminal justice system
- Are interested in contributing ideas for safer and more inclusive societies
The initiative emphasizes inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that marginalized and underrepresented youth voices are included in global dialogue.
Forms of Creative Expression Accepted
Participants are invited to share their experiences and perspectives through a wide range of creative formats. The campaign is intentionally designed to be flexible in order to capture diverse forms of storytelling and expression.
Accepted submission formats include:
- Poetry and written narratives
- Photography and visual storytelling
- Short videos and digital media content
- Music and spoken word performances
- Drawings, illustrations, and mixed-media artwork
Submissions are expected to reflect personal experiences, reflections on violence and prevention, or ideas for building safer and more inclusive communities.
Purpose and Expected Impact of the Campaign
The UNODC campaign is structured to generate both awareness and policy influence. Selected contributions will be used to support global advocacy and public engagement initiatives focused on youth crime prevention.
Key outputs of the campaign include:
- A digital youth publication showcasing selected submissions
- A youth-focused art exhibition at the United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (UNTOC) in Vienna in October 2026
- Integration of youth perspectives into global UNODC advocacy campaigns
- Development of evidence-based messaging for youth crime prevention strategies
Through these outputs, the campaign aims to influence how governments, institutions, and communities understand and respond to youth-related violence.
Submission Timeline and Process
The deadline for submissions has been set for 31 July 2026. Participants are encouraged to prepare and submit their work within the specified timeframe to ensure consideration for selection.
The submission process includes:
- Completing the official submission form
- Uploading creative work in the required format
- Providing basic participant information and consent
- Agreeing to campaign terms and conditions
Further details, including campaign materials such as flyers and participant briefs, are made available through the official UNODC platform.
Strengthening Global Youth Voice in Policy Dialogue
The campaign reflects a broader United Nations commitment to strengthening youth engagement in global governance and policy development. It aligns with ongoing international efforts to ensure that young people are active contributors to peacebuilding, justice reform, and sustainable development.
UNODC emphasizes that meaningful crime prevention requires collaboration between institutions and communities, with young people playing a central role in shaping long-term solutions.
Conclusion
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime youth campaign represents a significant effort to reposition young people as active contributors to crime prevention strategies rather than passive subjects of policy. By providing a global platform for storytelling and creative expression, the initiative seeks to build more inclusive, informed, and effective approaches to addressing youth violence and crime.
The campaign underscores a growing international recognition that sustainable safety and justice systems depend on listening to lived experiences and integrating youth perspectives into decision-making processes.
