Cristina Afridi moderates international session on sport, recovery and community action, and introduces ClearMinds digital prevention platform
ISTANBUL – The Karim Khan Afridi Welfare Foundation (KKAWF), a Pakistan-based organisation dedicated to drug-use prevention, early intervention and youth empowerment, participated in the 7th Istanbul Initiative, held on October 8–9 at the Green Crescent Headquarters in Istanbul, Türkiye.
Hosted by the Turkish Green Crescent Society (Yeşilay), the summit brought together 22 representatives from 12 countries to discuss emerging challenges in addiction prevention, treatment, recovery and global drug policy.
The participating countries included Spain, Italy, Pakistan, Iceland, Canada, the United States, Nigeria, Kenya, Jordan, Malaysia, Singapore and Sweden. The Istanbul Initiative has grown into a global network of 30 member organisations working to strengthen international cooperation in addressing addiction.
Over two days of intensive discussions, delegates examined the growing threats posed by synthetic substances, including fentanyl and nitazenes, the rapidly expanding synthetic drug market, and the record-breaking cocaine market. Other key topics included gaps in access to treatment, gender and equity in recovery services, the impact of drug use on health, security and communities, and criminal justice approaches that consider proportionality and alternatives to incarceration. Participants also discussed upcoming international engagements, including the Barcelona Forum on Drugs and the 2027 session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND).
A key contribution from Pakistan came from Cristina von Sperling Afridi, T.I., Founder and CEO of KKAWF, who moderated and presented the final session on “Sport-Based Prevention, Recovery and Community Action.”
Cristina highlighted KKAWF’s initiatives, “SPORT IS THE ANSWER” and “SAVE TOMORROW,” which promote sport as a practical tool for engaging young people, strengthening protective factors and encouraging healthier lifestyles. Through team sports and community participation, young people can develop discipline, resilience, teamwork, a sense of belonging and purpose—qualities that can help them navigate social pressures and make informed decisions.
Cristina also introduced ClearMinds, a free digital application developed through a partnership between KKAWF and SmartForum. The platform combines drug prevention resources with digital well-being support, offering an AI-powered chatbot, access to the HUM SAATH HAIN programme for trainers, progress tracking, curated therapeutic resources, mindfulness exercises, and a library of videos, blogs and research papers.
ClearMinds aims to complement evidence-based prevention programmes by extending learning and support beyond the classroom and connecting educators, families and communities with relevant resources.
KKAWF’s participation in the Istanbul Initiative reflects Pakistan’s contribution to international dialogue on addiction prevention and recovery. Through its work in life-skills education, sport-based prevention, youth engagement and digital innovation, the Foundation continues to advocate for comprehensive, evidence-based approaches that place young people’s well-being at the centre of prevention efforts.
Addressing addiction requires international cooperation, effective prevention, accessible support and sustained investment in the health and future of young people.