Building capacity to respond to drug issues across Asia-Pacific
Strengthening early warning systems and how countries can respond more effectively to the growing challenges posed by increasing availability and use of synthetic substances were among key themes of an international meeting focused on increasing collaboration on addressing drug issues across the Asia Pacific.
The International Experts Network Meeting brought together experts and representatives from International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) National Chapters across the region under the banner of Implications and opportunities for capacity building and networking arising from developments in drug availability and use. It was held alongside the International Society for the Study of Drug Policy (ISSDP) conference, hosted by the National Drug Research Institute at Curtin University earlier this month.
Hosted by NDRI Director Professor Paul Griffiths and facilitated by NDRI Research Fellow Dr Sam Colledge-Frisby, the meeting discussed emerging drug trends, identified regional priorities and explored opportunities for collaboration and workforce development.
"I was particularly struck by discussions around the challenges facing Pacific nations and the urgent need to strengthen capacity to respond effectively,” Professor Griffiths said.
"As well as consensus around increasing monitoring and early warning capability, rapid approaches to data collection and responding to growing methamphetamine-related harms, there was a strong commitment from all to work collaboratively to reduce drug-related harm across the region."
Click here to read more about the meeting and addressing drug issues in the region
Posted on: 21 Jul 2026
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