+70 participants, Two Days of Transformative Dialogue.
International Conference on drug prevention
Wake-Up Drug-Free is the Key
Scientists, parents, former users, physicians, human rights lawyers, youth, and community leaders will unite for this transformative event. This gathering serves as a dynamic platform where professionals and grassroots communities can connect, exchange powerful insights, and pinpoint the critical strategies needed to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to grow up, work, and live in a safe, drug-free environment.
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March 20 · 9am - March 21 · 4:15pm CET
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Van der Valk Hotel Eindhoven
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Two dynamic days featuring leaders with decades of experience in prevention, psychology, and education.
IN COLLABORATION WITH
Protecting the Child's Right to Grow Up Drug-Free
Join us on Thursday and/or Friday, March 20-21, 2025, at 9:00 AM at the Van der Valk Hotel Eindhoven | Aalsterweg 322 | 5644 RL Eindhoven
A drug-free future for children isn’t just a goal - it’s urgent. Join us for a day of evidence-based discussions and strategic planning rooted in common sense drug policy that has driven real change worldwide.
Engage with leading experts, policymakers, and advocates who have successfully reduced drug exposure among vulnerable populations.
Gain actionable, research-backed strategies to implement in your community. Your voice matters- help shape policy and protect future generations.
Seats are limited. Secure yours today and be a catalyst for lasting impact.
Renée Besseling
Chair of OVOM and author of Parents: A Natural Preventive Against Drugs, The Dutch Experience
When Addiction Hits Home – The Silent Struggle of Families
The heartbreak of watching a loved one fall into addiction shatters families, leaving parents feeling powerless. The dream of raising children in a drug-free world may sound inspiring, but for many, it remains just that—a dream. Without a concrete plan, the fight against addiction feels like an uphill battle with no clear path forward.
"Addiction doesn’t just break the person suffering—it breaks everyone who loves them."
For parents, it’s a relentless cycle of hope and despair, where every day is a battle between praying for change and fearing the worst.
"It feels like an endless rollercoaster—holding onto hope one moment, bracing for heartbreak the next."
And the hardest part? It’s not just the sleepless nights filled with tears—it’s the exhausting days spent forcing a smile, pretending everything is normal while carrying the weight of silent suffering.
At Wake Up! Drug-Free is the Key, we transform hope into action. By bringing together world-class experts, real-life solutions, and a community ready to make a difference, we fight for a future where every child has the chance to grow up drug-free.
AFFILIATED WITH
OUR EVENT LOCATION
VAN DER VALK HOTEL EINDHOVEN
21 + 22. March
For your accommodation, you can benefit from discounted rates as part of our event. The number of rooms is limited, so book your stay directly when purchasing your ticket for the Wake Up! Drug-Free is the Key conference 2025.
From Eindhoven Airport, exit the terminal and follow the signs directing you to the A2 motorway. Merge onto the A2 northbound toward Eindhoven and continue for about 4 kilometers. Take the exit marked for the Van der Valk Hotel and follow the clearly indicated access road. After about 1 kilometer along this road, you will see the hotel on your right.
From Schiphol Airport, catch a direct train to Eindhoven Central Station—trains run frequently and the journey typically takes about 1.5 hours. Once you arrive at Eindhoven Central, Take bus routes 7, 117, or 317, or opt for a taxi. For detailed transit options, visit 9292.nl.
Exit the highway at the sign marked for Eindhoven or Eindhoven Airport.
Merge onto the main road and follow the directional signs for Eindhoven Airport, which also point you toward Van der Valk Hotel Eindhoven.
Continue for about 2 kilometers until you reach Luchtvaartlaan, then turn left onto that road.
Drive a short distance further and you’ll see the hotel clearly marked on your right-hand side.
MEET OUR SPEAKERS
Renée Besseling
Chair of OVOM and author of Parents: A Natural Preventive Against Drugs, The Dutch Experience
David Evens
Attorney at Cannabis Industry Victims Education Lawyers CIVEL
Tiny Kes
OVOM Council member for Europe and Vice Chair of Moedige Moeders (Courageous Mothers)
Eze Eluchie
Nigerian Human & Health Rights Attorney, Secretary of OVOM and Head of the OVOM Legal Committee
Dominic Karl Fernandez
head of the Corporate & Advocacy, Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association (SANA)
Prof. Stuart Reece
The world's leading expert on cannabis population studies
Roxana Stere - Romania
Researcher in human rights and organized crime with a focus on children’s rights and international drug control
Mr. Stephan Dahlgren
Former Head of UNICEF Child Protection and a human rights researcher
Tonny Parbudi
Treasury of OVOM, and Council members of the Pacific Region.
Carla Lowe
President of Americans Against Legalizing Marijuana
Amy Ronshausen
Executive Director of Drug Free America Foundation, Inc., and the President of the World Federation Against Drugs
Dr. John Redman
Executive Director of CADFY (Community Alliances for Drug Free Youth).
Tanja Curcic
Founder and Director of Little Blue Shed Uganda and Marketing Manager of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union
Gary Christian
Prevention researcher, Vice chair and Head of the OVOM Scientific Committee, President and Senior Researcher for Drug Free Australia
Michiel Bannier
Paediatric pulmonologist at the MosaKids Children’s Hospital Maastricht
Florence Onsando
OVOM Council member for Africa and Secretary of the OVOM Prevention Committee. Counseling Psychologist and Mental Health Advocate; WWCTU President, Kenyan Chapter
Josephine (Jo) Baxter
International Board Member for Oceania - Rotary Action Group for Addiction Prevention (RAGAP)
Day 1
PROGRAM
08.00 - 9.00 Registration, refreshments and networking
09.00 Welcome, Introduction and information
Mrs. Roxane Stere is a distinguished researcher specializing in human rights, organized crime, and international drug control—with a sharp focus on protecting children's rights. Her extensive academic and field experience provides a powerful foundation for addressing the pressing challenges at the intersection of international policy and child welfare.
An examination of developments over the last 15 years. Including assessment of UN drug policy papers and UN drug policy experts by Mr. Stephan Dahlgren, former Head of UNICEF Child Protection and a human rights researcher.
10.30 - 11.00 Coffee break
Step into a dynamic session where international accords become powerful tools. Discover how global policies are being harnessed to defend Africa’s future—its vibrant, young population—from the dark grip of substance abuse. By Eze Eluchie, Esq, Nigerian human & health rights attorney, Secretary of OVOM and Head of the OVOM Legal Committee.
Step beyond the façade of booming pot shops and medical marijuana. Uncover the hidden costs—from nuisance and psychosis to addiction—and join us as we hold the multi-billion-dollar cannabis industry accountable for its true pricey Mr. David Evens, attorney for the Cannabis Industry Victims Education Lawyers (CIVEL)
12.00 12.15 Morning Session Q&A with Our Expert Speakers
12.15 – 13.15 Lunch
Dive into a groundbreaking analysis that reveals a stark contrast in Australia’s approach to drug policy. In one era, an exclusive focus on harm reduction coincided with an alarming surge in drug-related deaths. Then, as priorities shifted to robust prevention and rehabilitation, the statistics transformed—dramatically reducing fatalities across every illicit drug category. By Mr. Gary Christian. Prevention researcher, Vice chair and Head of the OVOM Scientific Committee, President and Senior Researcher for Drug Free Australia.
In this eye-opening session, Dr. John Redman – USA, Executive Director of CADFY (Community Alliances for Drug Free Youth) – exposes the dangerous divide between cannabis as a therapeutic remedy and its unchecked commodification. Dr. Redman reveals how turning marijuana into a profit-driven product has led to aggressive marketing, normalization of drug use, and a surge in adverse consequences for our youth and communities
14.15 - 14.45 Tea break
Step into a riveting session that unveils the controversial closed coffeeshop chain experiment in the Netherlands. Discover for whom this bold policy was designed, why it emerged as a radical departure from traditional cannabis regulation, and what compelling evidence reveals about its impact on public health and safety. By Mrs. Renée Besseling, Chair of OVOM.org and author of the book, Parents A Natural Preventive Against Drugs, The Dutch Experience.
15.30 - 16.15 Expert Panel Discussion with Speakers
Day 2
PROGRAM
08.00 - 9.00 Registration, refreshments and networking
Mrs. Josephine (Jo) Baxter - Experience dynamic initiatives from the International Rotary Program as emerging youth leaders share innovative strategies and passionate insights on preventing substance abuse.
Tiny Kes & Carla Lowe & Tanja Curcic - Delve into the profound impact of substance abuse on family dynamics, exploring the emotional, social, and economic toll on households—and learn how to mitigate these challenges.
10.15 - 10.45 Coffee break
Dr. Reece presents key findings from his comprehensive 2,300-page study on cannabis—detailing population impacts in the US and EU.
Amy Ronshausen - Discover the transformative vision behind the 2024 Global Initiative for the Integration of Prevention in Drug Policies. Supported by 2,462 signatory organizations, this session explores how collective action is reshaping global prevention efforts.
12.15 – 13.15 Lunch
Florence Onsando - Taking Action
A thought-provoking session on responding effectively when drugs threaten your community.
Tonny Parbudi & Dominic Karl Fernandez - Engage in a thought-provoking session on proactive responses to drug-related challenges in your community. Learn actionable strategies to safeguard your environment and promote a healthier future.
Dr. Michiel Bannier - An in-depth look at the rising challenge of vaping and its public health implications.
14.30 - 15.00 Tea break
15.00 – 15.45 Panel discussion
15.45 – 16-00 Conference Wrap-Up
AFFILIATED WITH
THIS IS WHAT OUR SPEAKERS SAY ABOUT THE EVENT
Gary Christian
prevention researcher, Vice chair and Head of the OVOM Scientific Committee, President and Senior Researcher for Drug Free Australia
Eze Eluchie
Nigerian Human & Health Rights Attorney, Secretary of OVOM and Head of the OVOM Legal Committee
Tonny Parbudi
Treasury of OVOM, and Council members of the Pacific Region.
Florence Onsando
counseling psychologist and mental health advocate
Dominic Karl Fernandez
head of the Corporate & Advocacy, Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association (SANA)
SUPPORT FOR THE SUPPORT
As a little thank you for helping us in our mission, we will gift you Tanjas selfmade sackets of sustainable materials for your Laptops and Conference materials
You want to be part of something big?
Refund Policy
Refunds up to 7 days before event
Eventbrite's fee is nonrefundable.
Location
Van der Valk Hotel Eindhoven
322 Aalsterweg 5644 RL Eindhoven Netherlands
Dates
March 20 · 9am - March 21 · 4:15pm CET
Included in Ticket
✅ Access of two days of International Conference Wake-Up Drug-Free is the Key
✅ Discounted room categories
✅ Tanjas selfmade sackets of sustainable materials for your Laptops and Conference materials
OFTEN ASKED QUESTIONS:
The conference will be hosted at the Van der Valk Hotel Eindhoven, Aalsterweg 322, 5644 RL Eindhoven.
The event kicks off on March 20 at 9:00 AM CET, marking the beginning of two days filled with inspiring sessions and networking opportunities.
Yes, a comfortable and accessible seating arrangement will be provided for all attendees.
No, there won’t be a recording, which is why it’s essential to attend in person and experience the event firsthand.
Absolutely. Refreshments will be available during breaks, and a full lunch service will be provided on both days.
Your well-being is our priority. If you’re unable to attend due to illness, please contact our support team as soon as possible. We will work with you to explore options such as a refund or virtual participation, depending on the circumstances.
Secretariat of the Conference admin.ovom@protonmail.com
Any more questions?
Please contact us via Email admin.ovom@protonmail.com
WANT TO SUPPORT US?
If you’re inspired by the vision of a drug-free future but can’t join us in person, you can still help support the cause.
PEOPLE WHO WILL PARTICIPATE TO THE EVENT
Participant testimonial
Van der Valk Hotel Eindhoven
Aalsterweg 322 | 5644 RL Eindhoven Netherlands
Contact:
admin.ovom@protonmail.com
