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Sweden

Queen Silvia opens Sweden Against Drugs conference

Queen Silvia of Sweden

Queen Silvia opened the Sweden Against Drugs virtual conference on Tuesday, telling attendees that every young person “has the right to a safe upbringing without abuse” as industries across the country work to prevent youth drug abuse.

The Queen appeared via video link to address the conference, which was organised by Borås Congress. Its four main goals are “health promotion and prevention, law enforcement and police operations, care and treatment, and popular movements and popular resistance,” according to its website.

Attendees included those working in drug and crime prevention, judiciary, voluntary and care and treatment fields, as well as members of the public who were interested in the subject matter.

Queen Silvia acknowledged, though, that although every young person has the right to a safe upbringing, “the reality is different.”

She continued: “Children and young people are vulnerable. That is why it is so important that we influence them positively already at a young age; that we strengthen their self-esteem and belief in the future, as well as their own resilience to peer pressure and destructive behaviours. If we succeed, it will be a win-win for all, for our entire society.

“Counteracting drug use among young people is something that engages me deeply and has done so for a long time. Over twenty years ago, I founded together with WHO, the organisation Mentor Sweden, which works for young people to grow and develop healthily and drug-free.”

Mentor Sweden, founded in 1994 by Queen Silvia, works to provide world-class mentoring programs to students in an effort to help them excel in their future careers, avoid drugs and alcohol, and to stay in school. In her speech, The Queen said that there was extra focus “in areas with high socio-economic vulnerability in Stockholm, Södertälje, Gothenburg, Malmö and Örebro.”

She continued: “Mentor offers both individual and group mentoring programs, which have in common that they promote self-esteem, study motivation and faith in the future of young people. Through Mentor, parents can also receive support in their important – and sometimes very difficult – role.

“I myself have seen many examples of what a powerful tool mentoring can be. And what a difference a positive adult role model can make in a young person’s life. It can mean anything.

“Ladies and gentlemen, dear conference participants. We are many who are committed to building bridges to the future for our children and young people. The Sweden Conference on Drugs is a fine example of the many initiatives that work together.

“Together we create resilience: Against drugs and exclusion. For young people and a healthy future.”

About author

Jess Ilse is the Assistant Editor at Royal Central. She specialises in the British, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish Royal Families and has been following royalty since Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. Jess has provided commentary for media outlets in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Jess works in communications and her debut novel THE MAJESTIC SISTERS will publish in Fall 2024.