The event is being organised as part of the Not Another Ravaged Community (NARC) initiative which was launched by the local cumann of Ógra Shinn Féin in Derry earlier this month.

Speaking ahead of the forum, local Ógra spokepseron Niall Doran said young people have an important role to play in tackling drug abuse.

"The National Youth Forum on Drugs will see young people from across Ireland come together to discuss the pressing issue of drug and alcohol abuse and the impact they are having on our communities.

"Drug abuse and misuse is a major issue in Ireland today, with an increase in drug related deaths. It is an issue that we collectively need to address and hopefully the youth forum and other such initiatives can play a positive role.

"It will be an opportunity to educate and equip activists with drug and alcohol awareness, it will be used to discuss the hugely negative impact that drugs are having on young people and communities, and more importantly it will be an opportunity to suggest ideas and plans that can stem and reduce this growing epidemic," he added.