Position paper for Austria
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Nations has been committed to work towards the creation of reliable space
laws and tackle the underlying threats to our space. One of the first major steps was in
1958, when the UN created the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
(COPUOS) to foster collaboration and prevent conflict in space. By 1967, the Outer Space
Treaty set the basic rules for how nations could explore space responsibly, and in 1972,
liability rules made countries accountable for any damage caused by their satellites.
Concerns about using space for military purposes led to the Moon Agreement in the
1970s, which encouraged scientific research and banned military bases. Over the years,
the UN’s approach grew to focus on helping people directly. In 2006, it launched UN-
SPIDER, which uses satellites to support countries during disasters and show how space
technology can make a real difference in people’s lives.
Austria advocates for keeping outer space peaceful and free from conflict. Since the signing of the Outer Space Treaty in 1967, we have supported the idea that space must only be used for peaceful purposes. Because the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) are in Vienna, Austria plays a central role in international discussions on space security. We support the creation of shared rules and transparency measures that make space activity more responsible and predictable. Austria believes that space should benefit all nations through research, communication, and environmental monitoring, and not become a site of military competition. Domestically, Austria enforces the Austrian Outer Space Act of 2011 and the Outer Space Regulation of 2015, which set high safety and sustainability standards for national space activities. We also work through the European Union to promote international laws that limit the militarization of space and reduce debris. Austria hopes to advance these goals by encouraging cooperation, technology-sharing, and future international agreements on responsible satellite operations. Our position connects to a larger global issue, since instability in space would impact every nation that depends on satellites for communication, navigation, and security. By leading with peaceful and responsible behavior, Austria aims to ensure space remains safe and sustainable. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Nations recognizes that the illegal trade of small arms and light weapons
continues to fuel conflict and instability around the world. To address this, the UN has
developed several major agreements and initiatives that aim to limit the production,
movement, and misuse of these weapons. One of the most important is the Programme
of Action to Prevent, Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light
Weapons (PoA), adopted in 2001. The PoA encourages countries to strengthen their gun
laws, secure stockpiles, and work together to track and collect illegal weapons. In 2005,
the UN adopted the International Tracing Instrument (ITI), which helps countries mark
and trace weapons that are found in crimes or conflicts. Another major step was the Arms
Trade Treaty (ATT), which took effect in 2014 and sets legal standards for how
conventional weapons are traded globally. The UN also created the Coordinating Action
on Small Arms (CASA) to bring together different UN agencies that work on disarmament
and peacebuilding. These efforts are regularly reviewed through meetings and
conferences where countries share progress and challenges.
The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons is a pressing issue that demands global attention. Austria, a staunch advocate for disarmament, has taken significant steps to combat this problem. To address this challenge, Austria takes various measures. Austria enforces strict arms control laws aligned with the EU Common Position and the ATT, which Austria ratified in 2014. Additionally, Austria has established licensing systems for arms dealers and owners, implemented strict export controls in line with EU and UN standards, and ensured clear marking and record-keeping for weapons to facilitate traceability. Also, Austria is a party to the Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing and Trafficking in Firearms, which is a key international tool to combat illicit firearms and their links to organized crime. The primary objective of these efforts is to reduce the circulation of illegal weapons and foster a more peaceful environment within Austria. The illicit arms trade is a rising global issue that affects everyone because weapons do not stay in one place; they move across countries and cause violence far beyond where they were first sold or made. That is why Austria believes that all countries share the responsibility to control arms exports carefully, be transparent about where weapons go, and hold each other accountable for this. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence |
| Paper text: | |
| Since the signing of the United Nations Charter in 1945, the UN has been instrumental in
promoting economic development and cooperation among Member States. Through
initiatives such as the Technical Assistance for Economic Development (1948), the United
Nations Development Decades, and the establishment of UNCTAD in 1964, the UN has
laid out the groundwork for global collaboration and economic interdependence. Later,
with the frameworks including the Declaration on the Right to Development (1986), An
Agenda for Development (1994), and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), it
demonstrated the UN’s continued efforts to achieve even development. However, Austria
realizes that globalization’s benefits remain unevenly distributed, as developing states still
face barriers to accessing markets, technology, and sustainable financing. The 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development and the UNDP Strategic Plan 2022–2025 continue
this mission by emphasizing global partnerships, inclusive growth, and equitable
participation in the world economy.
Austria believes that globalization and interdependence must serve as engines for sustainable development, not sources of inequality. Austria is a member of the European Union and an active supporter of multilateral institutions. Also, Austria aligns its development policy with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on poverty reduction, gender equality, good governance, and climate-resilient economic growth. Austria contributes approximately 0.34% of its Gross National Income to Official Development Assistance (ODA), supporting programs through UNDP, UNIDO, and UNICEF. Austria also partners with landlocked and least developed countries, recognizing shared challenges in connectivity and access to trade routes. For example, the India- Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), Austria’s network and logistic hubs such as Vienna and Linz plays a critical role in connecting the Middle East and Europe. Moving forward, Austria advocates for three main actions including strengthening multilateral cooperation, enhancing the UN’s coordination between development agencies to eliminate duplication and Increasing transparency in project funding, and fair globalization and equitable market access. Developed nations must reduce protectionist barriers and ensure developing countries participate equally in international trade systems. Through these initiatives, Austria envisions a global economy that values inclusivity, and shared prosperity which ensures that globalization benefits all nations, not just the most powerful. Through this vision, Austria aims at achieving UNCTAD” vision of promoting interests of developing countries in world trade. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Nations’ leadership in addressing climate change began with the 1972
Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment and evolved through the UNFCCC
(1992), Kyoto Protocol (1997), and Paris Agreement (2015). Today, with global
temperatures already 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels, the UN continues to provide a
forum for global cooperation through frameworks like COP29 (2024) session that took
place in Baku Azerbaijan, where Member States pledged to triple climate financing for
developing countries by 2035. Despite these achievements, reports from the Climate
Action Tracker indicate that current national policies could lead to temperature increases
exceeding 2.7°C by 2100. The Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat and the
Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change underscores the urgency of
decisive, science-based climate action.
Austria regards climate protection as a moral and economic imperative. Domestically, Austria aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2040, supported by the Climate Change Act, the Klimaaktiv program, and new carbon management strategies including Carbon Capture and Storage, Carbon Capture and Utilization, and Carbon Dioxide Removal. The strategies aim at capturing, storing, and utilizing carbon to create products like fuels or building materials which help to reduce overall greenhouse gas levels. In relation to the UN’s mission, Austria contributes to the Green Climate Fund and supports capacity- building for developing countries mostly affected by environmental degradation. Austria urges the global community to enhance climate action by improving transparency and accountability, and by increasing financial and technological support for developing countries by ensuring climate policies protect the rights and well-being of future generations. Austria believes that protecting the climate for current and future generations is not only an environmental necessity but also an essential component of long-term economic stability and human prosperity. This belief aligns with the adoption of the COP Kyoto Protocol, which established legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Nations encourages the people’s right for self-determination, despite the
opportunity to determine their political governance being consistently foiled by the
tensions and conflicts of multiple states who are non-self governing or experiencing
colonial occupation. They empathize that violation of self-determination often leads to
increased foreign interference, internal unrest, and threats to international peace and
security. This in turn becomes a threat to peace and security to the people, as well as
persistence of said action would be a violation to human right treaties and the core
humanitarian law conventions. It is added that the absence of a proper legal framework
could lead to similar consequences. The United Nations has achieved this goal through
the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (1993) and the creation of the Human
Rights Council (2006), in which the state of Austria has not only been an active supporter
but also a participant.
Austria affirms its commitment to upholding the right to self-determination by ensuring that governments respect and guarantee the rights and freedoms of their people through robust legal measures. In line with Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Austria recognizes the essential role of the people’s will in shaping their political governance. Austria emphasizes peaceful and negotiated solutions to self-determination conflicts. Beyond advocating for these principles globally, Austria actively supports peaceful and negotiated solutions to self-determination conflicts. For instance, Austria has promoted extensive autonomy for South Tyrol through cooperation with Italy, ensuring minority protections and cultural rights. On a broader scale, Austria has participated in international peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts, including NATO’s Partnership for Peace missions in Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina,and Afghanistan, which aim to stabilize regions experiencing conflict and promote conditions for self-governance. Furthermore, Austria remains a consistent supporter of negotiated solutions, such as the Two-State solution and resolution for peace with Palestine, recognizing their right for self- determination and planning to take part in the Israel-Palestinian negotiations from early 2025. While Austria is committed to finding a peaceful resolution and calling for immediate action to end this sort of violence, not exclusive to Gaza but to other territories, we have recognized that peace is built through negotiations, mutual respect, and trust between all parties. Austria also stands in solidarity with Ukraine in the face of aggression, supporting humanitarian aid and refugee assistance, reflecting its broader commitment to peace, security, and the protection of peoples’ rights worldwide. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas |
| Paper text: | |
| Austria recognizes that the empowerment of women and girls in rural areas is vital for
achieving sustainable development and gender equality. Rural women play an essential
role in agriculture, food security, and environmental protection; however, they continue
to face barriers such as unequal access to education, land ownership, healthcare, and
economic opportunities.
The international community has recognized the importance of women in rural areas, as their support is crucial to development. Furthermore, the international community must continue to prioritize their inclusion and protection to ensure equitable progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As a state with the capacity, resources, and commitment to human rights, Austria firmly supports international efforts that strengthen the rights and livelihoods of rural women. As a signatory of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and an active contributor to UN Women, Austria upholds gender equality as a core principle of its domestic and foreign policy. Through the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), Austria supports programs that provide vocational training, improve access to resources, and promote women’s participation in rural economies across Africa, Eastern Europe, and other regions. For instance, Austria, through ADA, funds a project in Kosovo that supports 1,000 rural women. This includes ethnic minorities, and women with disabilities to engage in climate-smart agriculture and agritourism activities. These build legal literacy for land/property access, and connect to digital markets. As the year of the Women Farmer approaches it is imperative that we as a State, and a congregation of like-minded individuals, focus on the importance of women, specifically women and girls in rural areas. Austria urges the global community to build on existing UN frameworks, such as the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, General Assembly Resolution 76/146 on the improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas, and the “Women in Development” resolution. Austria’s national efforts, detailed in its 2019 report on the Implementation of the Resolution “Women in Development”, demonstrate strong alignment with these frameworks. Domestically, Austria established the Working Group on Equality of Women and Men and Equal Opportunities in Rural Areas under its Rural Development Program (ELER) to advance gender-sensitive rural policies. The 2017 conference Women in the Country: Equality and Equal Opportunities in Rural Areas which promoted participatory dialogue on women’s leadership and economic inclusion. Additionally, Austria’s Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women and Development Agency in integrating gender perspectives across all programs. Through actionable measures which include expanding access to education and digital literacy, ensuring land and inheritance rights, strengthening healthcare availability, and funding women-led agricultural initiatives. Austria believes that empowering women and girls in rural areas is not only a matter of equality but a catalyst for economic growth, social stability, and sustainable global development. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Our ocean, our future, our responsibility |
| Paper text: | |
| The ocean is vital to global natural systems, as a heavy contributor to environmental
oxygen levels, climate regulation, biodiversity, food production, and cultural significance;
The ocean maintains the economy of our world by providing resources and livelihoods,
thus making it imperative to preserve our oceans for the benefit of our ecosystem and
economy. Today, the ocean is under severe distress: habitat destruction, ocean
acidification, pollution, overfishing, and climate change are devastating our ocean health.
Austria, although a landlocked state, recognizes that the health of our ocean is a global
common good and that states share responsibility regardless of proximity to the ocean.
Austria also supports environmental law and frameworks such as the UN Convention on
the Law of the Sea and the London Convention as critical foundations for governing our
oceans. Our state stresses the importance of scientific knowledge, innovation, and
partnerships are essential to effective ocean conservation and reimagined
sustainable utilization. Austria continues to advocate that all states must adhere to
international law governing oceans, such as UNCLOS. We support strengthening the
implementation and enforcement of ocean laws, expanding marine protected areas,
sustainable fisheries, and precautionary measures in marine ecosystems.
Austria encourages increased funding for ocean science, data collection, monitoring systems, and sharing of marine data on an international level. The state of Austria also supports initiatives in developing countries to improve marine research and infrastructure especially for coastal states. We emphasize the need to combat land-based sources of marine pollution, the overuse of plastics, chemical dumping and farm runoff by supporting new economic approaches to reduce waste, promote reuse, and limit marine runoff and debris. To advance the “Our Ocean, Our Future, Our Responsibility” initiative, Austria proposes these following ideas when formulating future oceanic laws: Austria proposes a global science and technology hub, similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency localized in our state. Creation of an institute under the UN umbrella that could be a network for marine science, data sharing, and collaboration by linking scientists from across the world to help coordinate marine observation systems, standardized systems, and databases for the preservation and protection of our oceans. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations |
| Paper text: | |
| The scale, frequency, and complexity of humanitarian crises (natural disasters, armed
conflicts, pandemics, climate-related emergencies) sadly, have only expanded in recent
years. The United Nations plays a central coordinating role in humanitarian response (e.g.
through OCHA, UNICEF, UNHCR, etc.). The need to strengthen our coordination, in a
timely, equitable, and need-based system is essential to ensure humanitarian principles
and positive results. Austria is committed to humanitarian assistance, and seeks to
contribute to reforms to improve UN coordination. Austria supports gender-responsive,
need-based, and rights-based humanitarian action, in alignment with its development
cooperation emphasis.
Austria supports using streamlined techniques and mechanisms to reduce delays, lack of response/underpreparedness, and poor communication. We advocate for resilient monitoring and accountable systems in humanitarian operations that affected individuals can look to in times of despair. The need for rapid and efficient response from UN coordination bodies and the ability to understand the scale of disasters in emergencies is a need Austria is a strong advocate and perpetuator of. Our state supports use of pre- positioned resources and improved coordination across UN agencies and UN partners. To strengthen coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance, Austria proposes some framework ideas on implementing efficient programs in UN relief efforts. By establishing a high-level UN review panel to assess existing coordination mechanisms, how to improve them (standardization, clarifying roles of UN aid workers, etc.), and where each form of assistance is best utilized. We propose a development of a coordination declaration which outlines the roles of each form of aid and methods for handling escalating situations, this allows for levels of accountability and a clean system for handling humanitarian aid. Austria supports the creation of a shared digital platform for humanitarian coordination, allowing for individual and organization level donations, setting up some way to register an NGO for UN partnership, and allowing for national authorities, agencies, and NGOs to give up-to-date reports and needs as well as a platform to coordinate domestically. Austria believes that stronger coordination will only enhance the UNs performance in saving lives, protecting human rights, and efficiently delivering aid equally in a crisis. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Nuclear security |
| Paper text: | |
| One single nuclear warhead has the power to instantly destroy an entire city, kill
hundreds of thousands of people in several seconds, and leave radiation that can spread
across the continents and poison the air, water, and soil for decades. In the long term,
this one little thing can cause a whole environmental disaster, but just imagine that today,
nine countries collectively have accumulated 12,100 of these, with Russia and the US
holding over 90% of them. In a world full of political tensions, instability, and rapid
technological development, the threat that the red button, deciding the destiny of a whole
humanity, is going to fall into the wrong hands has never been more real.
Nuclear security, therefore, focuses on the prevention, detection, and rapid response to the theft, sabotage, illegal transfer, or misuse of nuclear and radioactive materials. In 2024 alone, there were 147 documented cases of such activities. Among many initiatives organized by the IAEA throughout the last 70 years of its existence, the most remarkable are the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (A/CPPNM), the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources, and the IAEA Nuclear Security Plan 2022-2025. They encourage Member States to collaborate and solve the issues collectively by exchanging information and experiences. Also, they are focused on the prevention of nuclear misuse and the improvement of detection systems at borders. Austria, as a host country of the IAEA’s headquarters in Vienna, has been a strong supporter of most of the IAEA’s initiatives, just like other European Union members. We have not only never owned, possessed, controlled, or hosted the nuclear weapons of any state as a party to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and the treaty on the Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), but also our Federal Constitutional Law on a nuclear-free Austria forbids the state to operate any nuclear power plants since the public referendum in 1978. The underlying reason for such a prohibition is to eliminate all the risks of nuclear materials being diverted for weaponization and encourage other states to use renewable energy to meet energy needs without nuclear risks. Besides that, Austria still actively contributes to the IAEA’s Nuclear Security Fund financially and with its expertise, and actively participates in international discussions about nuclear security. As for the future, Austria is planning to continue its close collaboration with the IAEA, especially to deal with such important issues as cybersecurity, insider threats, and safety in the conflict zones. It also plans to improve the Agency’s emergency response capabilities so that countries faced with nuclear threats, such as those at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, can get assistance promptly. These policies are essential for the international community as they set an example to follow for other nations and help create a safer and more stable world, especially in times when rapid technological progress and innovation increase the risks to global security and society. This shows that real progress comes from working together to prevent danger that might arise in any part of the world, rather than responding after it happens. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Strengthening the Agency's activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications |
| Paper text: | |
| Nuclear. The associations with this word primarily include things like disasters, bombs, or
accidents. But nuclear science does not always mean destruction. On the contrary, it can
save lives by medical diagnostics and cancer treatments, feed people by improving crops,
soil, and pest control, and protect the planet by helping with climate adaptation, water
management, and alternative energy. However, it should be used reasonably and
controlled by reliable entities.
To make sure that all countries use nuclear technology safely and share accumulated knowledge fairly, we need global oversight. That’s where the IAEA, a UN specialized agency, comes in. It is responsible for setting safety norms, helping countries build their capacity, run new technical programs, and, if needed, respond to emergencies. In 1986, the IAEA created the Convention on Assistance in the Case of Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency, following the Chornobyl disaster. It allows the Member States to request help when they face a radiological emergency. More recently, it has launched programs ZODIAC (Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action), exploring how nuclear and isotope technologies can help in disease surveillance, and NUTEC-Plastics for plastic degradation research. Austria, even without nuclear power plants, supports many of these peaceful uses. It has permitted nuclear medicine (radiotherapy, diagnostic imaging) to be under strict controls and participates in the use of isotope technologies in agriculture, environmental monitoring, and scientific research. Austria has signed the Convention on Nuclear Safety (1995), supports safe waste management, and promotes technical and scientific cooperation with the IAEA. However, Austria does not consider nuclear energy to be compatible with sustainable development, mainly due to the risks associated with climate change for reactors, the unresolved issue of waste, and the danger of accidents. Nevertheless, Austria respects the choices of other countries, but with the condition that they comply with the strictest rules. For the future, Austria believes that the IAEA should expand technical cooperation to more developing countries and promote joint research in climate, health, and food security. It wants to make sure no country is left behind when it comes to applying nuclear technology for good. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting alternative development as a development-oriented drug control strategy that is sustainable and inclusive |
| Paper text: | |
| The cultivation and trafficking of illicit drugs continue to cause extensive harm to more
than 300 million people annually, fueling crime, violence, and terrorism. The Republic of
Austria recognizes that illicit crop cultivation is closely linked to poverty, limited economic
opportunity, and inadequate rural infrastructure. Austria affirms that effective and
sustainable drug control must address these root causes through Alternative
Development (AD) rather than relying solely on eradication or coercive measures.
Alternative Development is a long-term process aimed at preventing and eliminating illicit crop cultivation by providing viable and sustainable sources of income. Austria therefore views AD as an essential and humane pillar of a comprehensive drug control strategy— one that promotes sustainable livelihoods, strengthens governance, and fosters long- term social resilience. This development-oriented approach advances the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 1 (No Poverty) by helping farmers secure livelihoods, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by creating legitimate employment opportunities, and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by reducing reliance on criminal networks and illicit economies. It does so by tackling the root causes of illicit cultivation through opportunity rather than coercion. Austria is a strong advocate of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Alternative Development and actively promotes international cooperation in this field. Through the European Union and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Austria has supported AD initiatives in Southeast Asia, notably in Lao PDR and Myanmar, assisting farmers in transitioning from opium poppy to sustainable agricultural products. In Latin America, Austria has contributed to projects in Peru and Bolivia, helping communities replace coca cultivation with coffee and cacao production. Austria’s partnership with UNODC in Colombia further exemplifies this commitment. In the Antioquia region, Austria has supported cocoa-based livelihoods and provided technical assistance for satellite-based monitoring systems that track illicit crop areas, enhancing transparency and accountability. These initiatives strengthen community resilience, promote gender equality, and support environmental sustainability. Domestically, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) integrates AD principles into its broader development cooperation framework, emphasizing rural empowerment, women’s participation, and inclusive economic growth. Austria calls upon all Member States to regard Alternative Development as a long-term investment in peace, stability, and human security. The Republic urges enhanced coordination between development and drug control agencies and increased multilateral support for gender-sensitive, inclusive, and culturally appropriate AD programs that allow communities to prosper without dependence on illicit cultivation. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting comprehensive and scientific evidence-based early prevention |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Austria recognizes that global drug challenges cannot be sustainably
addressed without comprehensive, scientific, and early prevention strategies. Early
prevention, especially among youth, plays a decisive role in reducing the onset of
substance use and in promoting public health, education, and social stability. Austria
underscores that prevention must not depend on fear-based or punitive methods but on
evidence-driven, developmentally appropriate interventions that empower families,
schools, and communities. Austria aligns its national and international prevention policies
with the UNODC/WHO International Standards on Drug Use Prevention, emphasizing the
importance of comprehensive, developmentally appropriate, and evidence-based
interventions.
The Republic promotes an approach that integrates schools, families, healthcare systems, and local communities in the design and implementation of preventive strategies. Domestically, Austria has implemented a range of prevention initiatives through the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, together with the Austrian Health Promotion Foundation (Fonds Gesundes Österreich), implements nationwide initiatives that are scientifically evaluated for effectiveness. Programs such as SUPRO (Workshop for Addiction Prevention) and “bOJA – Federal Network for Open Youth Work” focus on strengthening life skills, building social competence, and creating drug- free environments for young people. The Austrian Addiction Prevention Strategy (Suchtpräventionsstrategie) emphasizes early intervention in schools, workplace prevention programs, and public awareness campaigns that are scientifically evaluated for effectiveness. One notable example is the “plus” programme (Prevention and Life Skills in Lower Secondary Education), a multi-year school-based intervention for students aged 10–14 that develops life skills and resilience. Evaluations conducted between 2009 and 2013 found that participating classes showed significantly lower increases in alcohol and tobacco use compared to control groups when implemented consistently over four years, demonstrating Austria’s commitment to measurable, evidence-based outcomes. Internationally, Austria promotes evidence-based prevention through active engagement in the European Union Drugs Strategy 2021–2025, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), and as host of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna. Austria calls upon all Member States to integrate scientific and evidence- based approaches into national prevention systems, strengthen data-driven policymaking, and expand early prevention programs that are inclusive, culturally sensitive, and focused on youth empowerment. Only through education, collaboration, and evidence-based action can the international community achieve sustainable progress in reducing drug demand and promoting health and safer future for all. | |
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