Returning from the Harm Reduction International Conference 2025 (HR25) in Bogotá, our Youth RISE team is filled with gratitude, energy, and renewed determination. HR25 was more than just a conference—it was a global gathering where young advocates, researchers, and people with lived experience came together to discuss and shape the future of harm reduction and drug policy locally and globally.
Youth RISE on the Program
This year, Youth RISE was proud to be represented by Rebeca Marques Rocha, Ruby Lawlor, Rebeca Calzada, Humberto Rotondo, and Estefanía Villlamizar, who all took active roles as presenters, panelists, organizers, or volunteers. Our focus? Making sure young people’s experiences and ideas are front and center in harm reduction. A highlight of the conference was the youth networking space, organized by the Paradigma Coalition, which quickly became a vibrant hub for young delegates. It was a space for connection, laughter, and exchange of perspectives related to the services, research, and work conducted by young people in the field of harm reduction and drug policy. These conversations reinforced the message that young people are not just the future—they are leading change right now.
We also joined panels where we presented on full-spectrum harm reduction, youth engagement, participatory research methods, and the intersections of drug policy with human rights. Sharing our stories and hearing from others—especially those with lived experience—is the center of our work. It’s about real people, real lives, and real change.
Consultation with the Global Commission on Drug Policy
A key highlight for our delegation was participating in the closed consultation organized by the Global Commission on Drug Policy. Held on April 28th at the Ágora Bogotá Convention Centre, this session brought together youth advocates, UN representatives, and civil society leaders to discuss the harms that current drug policies inflict on children and young people. The consultation, facilitated by Damon Barrett and opened by Anna Tomasi, marked the launch of a multi-year project to create an evidence-based, child rights-focused policy brief. We were honored to contribute our perspectives and help shape the conversation on how drug policy can better protect and empower youth.
Showcasing Youth Creativity: The HR25 Exhibition
If you walked through the Ágora Bogotá Convention Center’s main lobby, you couldn’t miss the exhibition we co-organized with Dr. Lisa Williams from The University of Manchester, along with Alfonso Chávez from Prevencasa Tijuana, and Acción Técnica Social (ATS), one of the host organizations of HR25. This initiative was a global collaboration created with young people from around the world, aiming to amplify voices that are often unheard and shed light on the human side of drug policy. Our collaborators were invited to share what Harm Reduction means to them and their communities by sending art, photos, and stories that express their perspectives. Each piece was paired with a testimonial, highlighting both the challenges and positive impacts of harm reduction initiatives. It was raw, honest, and sometimes heartbreaking—but also full of hope. The exhibition reminds us that harm reduction should be more than just a policy or practice; it’s a lived reality shaped by community, creativity, and unconditional care.
Besides being showcased in the conference venue, the exhibition was also displayed at the community space of Acción Técnica Social (ATS) and later at Cambie, South America’s first supervised drug-use facility. Adopting full-spectrum harm reduction as the guiding principle behind their work, they are a true lesson on leadership in innovative and community-based harm reduction practices. Cambie is now home to some of the pictures in our exhibition.
What Made HR25 So Special?
HR25 brought together more than 1,000 delegates from over 80 countries—frontline health workers, policymakers, researchers, people who use drugs, and activists. Over four days, the conference featured panels, workshops, films, and networking events, all focused on advancing evidence-based drug policy and harm reduction. Topics ranged from overdose prevention and naloxone access to gender justice, disability rights, and the impacts of criminalization and the effects of prohibition on the environment. The energy and solidarity were palpable, with every session underscoring the importance of community-led and peer-driven interventions. The message was clear: harm reduction isn’t just a set of services; it’s a movement for dignity, health, and social justice.
Learning from Colombia and Bogotá
Colombia—and Bogotá in particular—offered a unique and inspiring context for HR25. The country’s new drug policy, announced in 2023, represents a bold shift away from punitive approaches toward justice, opportunity, and public health. During our time in Bogotá, we visited local harm reduction services, including supervised consumption sites, mobile outreach programs, and peer-led support groups.
It was also powerful to witness a conference on harm reduction in a bilingual and diverse environment, with the attendance of many harm reductionists from all of Latin America, particularly in a context where concepts such as full-spectrum harm reduction aren’t abstract but a reality. The people running these programs are creative, resilient, and deeply committed to their communities. Bogotá itself is a city of contrasts—historic and modern, joyful and challenging. The harm reduction community here is a tight-knit and innovative one, working closely with public institutions and international partners. Despite real challenges (including ongoing criminalization and stigma), there’s a sense of hope and possibility here that’s contagious. It was inspiring to see how much can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose. The collaboration between civil society, public institutions, and international partners in Bogotá is a model for harm reduction worldwide.
Final Thoughts
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Harm Reduction International, Acción Técnica Social, and all partners who have put their time and heart into making such a special conference. Their commitment to inclusivity, local partnership, and meaningful youth participation made HR25 a truly impactful event.
The conference in Bogotá was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when young people are given space to lead and collaborate. We return home inspired, connected, and committed to building a world where harm reduction is recognized as a pathway to dignity, health, and justice for all. The work continues—and we can’t wait to see where it takes us next.
Thank you, Bogotá, and thank you to everyone who made HR25 an unforgettable experience.