Muscat: The Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) has issued a metadata guide for performance measurement indicators related to the GCC Strategy for Combating Drugs (2025-2028). The guide aims to provide a standardized statistical framework for assessing and monitoring the implementation of the strategy, enhancing data accuracy, and ensuring comparability among GCC member states. This initiative supports evidence-based policymaking and decision-making processes.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the guide seeks to establish a comprehensive GCC database on the drug situation. It aims to measure the impact of preventive, treatment, and security measures and policies. Furthermore, it promotes integration among GCC states in addressing the cross-border drug phenomenon through unified concepts and methodologies for data collection, analysis, and publication.
The strategy outlined in the guide aims to achieve global leadership in unified strategic planning to combat drugs. It emphasizes enhancing cooperation and coordination among GCC states, developing effective policies, exchanging information and expertise, and applying international best practices to reduce the impact of drugs both regionally and internationally.
The strategy targets six main objectives: protecting GCC communities from drugs, combating drug smuggling through modern technologies and artificial intelligence, enhancing international partnerships, addressing money laundering linked to drug trafficking, establishing an integrated and secure GCC framework, and developing legislation in accordance with international conventions.
Additionally, the guide includes 12 key indicators for evaluating the performance of the GCC strategy. These indicators cover preventive, therapeutic, security, and judicial aspects, providing a comprehensive approach to combating drug-related issues within the GCC region.