These global international standards summarize the currently available scientific evidence, describing interventions and policies that have been found to result in positive prevention outcomes and their characteristics. Concurrently, the global International Standards identify the major components and features of an effective national drug prevention system. It is [the autors’] hope that international standards will guide policymakers worldwide to develop programmes, policies and systems that are a truly effective investment in the future of children, young people, families and communities. This work builds on and recognizes the work of many other organizations (e.g. EMCDDA, CCSA, CICAD, Mentor, NIDA, WHO), which have previously developed standards and guidelines on various aspects of drug prevention.