A scientific-practical seminar on “Let us say ‘NO’ to drugs and choose a healthy lifestyle” was held at Mingachevir State University (MSU) within the framework of the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” and dedicated to 26 June – the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The main purpose of the seminar was to discuss the legal, social, psychological and moral aspects of combating drug addiction and the illicit trafficking of narcotic substances, to promote healthy lifestyle values among young people, to increase the effectiveness of preventive awareness-raising activities, and to contribute to strengthening a sense of social responsibility in society.
It was emphasized at the event that the formation of a healthy, safe and responsible society is connected not only with the development of infrastructure and the urban environment, but also with the protection of people’s physical, psychological and moral well-being. In this regard, the fight against drug addiction is of great importance in terms of ensuring a healthy future for young people, strengthening the family institution, protecting public safety and reinforcing social sustainability.
During the seminar, moderated by the university’s legal adviser Polad Atayev, it was noted that the fight against drug addiction should not be limited only to administrative and legal measures, but should also be carried out in parallel with education, awareness-raising, psychological support, social participation and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. It was stated that protecting young people from harmful habits, organizing their leisure time effectively, and directing them towards sports, education, creativity and socially beneficial activities play an important role in shaping a healthy university and a healthy social environment.
At the seminar, Huseyn Asgarov, senior lecturer at MSU’s Department of Humanities and PhD in Law, spoke about the essence and significance of 26 June – the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. He noted that this day serves as an important call for mobilizing society around anti-drug thinking, expanding legal awareness and encouraging young people to make healthy life choices.
Emin Shiraliyev, police major and senior operational officer of the Anti-Drug Group of the Mingachevir City Police Department, provided information about the activities of police officers in the field of anti-drug advocacy and awareness-raising, preventive measures and legal explanatory work. It was stated that strengthening preventive approaches, conducting consistent awareness-raising activities in educational institutions and reinforcing public oversight mechanisms are particularly important for protecting adolescents and young people from harmful habits.
Aydin Karimov, lecturer at MSU’s Department of Pedagogy and Psychology, emphasized the importance of increasing attention to the education, upbringing, employment and effective organization of leisure time of minors and young people. Gultekin Knyazova, lecturer at the same department, highlighted that promoting a healthy lifestyle, strengthening anti-drug awareness and ensuring the continuity of comprehensive measures in this direction play an important role in building a healthy future for society.
Within the framework of the seminar, an exchange of views was held on the topic, the legal, social, psychological and moral aspects of the fight against drug addiction were discussed, and a video dedicated to anti-drug awareness was screened.
In conclusion, it was noted that the fight against drug addiction should be supported not only through legal and administrative mechanisms, but also through consistent awareness-raising policies aimed at forming healthy thinking, moral resilience, social responsibility and a welfare-oriented culture of life in society. In this context, the scientific-practical seminar held at MSU was assessed as an important academic and public platform for protecting young people from harmful habits, promoting a healthy lifestyle, increasing legal awareness and strengthening a sustainable social environment.