On June 19th 2026, Mentor Arabia participated in the ISSUP and UNODC webinar titled “Youth Voices for Prevention: Creative Pathways to Address Violence, Crime, and Build Safer Communities,” which highlighted innovative and evidence-based approaches to youth crime prevention, with a particular focus on meaningful youth engagement and the role of sport as a prevention tool.
During the webinar, participants were introduced to UNODC’s Gamechangers Initiative, a global effort aimed at strengthening youth crime prevention by creating pathways to resilience, opportunity, and positive development for young people. The initiative promotes prevention through five key pillars: advocacy for prevention, youth empowerment and resilience, global learning and exchange, evidence-based prevention, and the development of practical tools, guidance, and capacity-building opportunities for practitioners and organizations.
The session emphasized the importance of investing in early prevention, amplifying youth voices, and creating safe and supportive environments that help young people develop life skills, strengthen protective factors, and avoid involvement in violence and crime. Speakers also highlighted the growing evidence supporting sport-based interventions as an effective approach to fostering inclusion, resilience, social connectedness, and positive youth development.
Participants were further introduced to upcoming opportunities under the Gamechangers Initiative, including international dialogues, training workshops, advocacy campaigns, and youth-led activities aimed at promoting safer communities and advancing innovative prevention practices globally.
Mentor Arabia’s participation reflects its continued commitment to advancing evidence-based prevention, empowering young people as agents of change, and exploring innovative approaches that contribute to safer, healthier, and more resilient communities across the Arab region.
