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Prevention Unpacked with Dr. Zili Sloboda: Workforce, Capacity & Global Development Pt.3
In this third episode of Prevention Unpacked with Dr. Zili Sloboda, the focus shifts from science to the people who make prevention possible.
Dr. Sloboda reflects on why workforce development has become central to the future of prevention, and why evidence alone is never enough without skilled, supported professionals to put it into practice. She speaks candidly about the competencies that matter most in prevention work, from care and humility to monitoring, feedback, and fidelity in implementation.
The conversation explores how prevention has moved toward professionalisation through shared standards, training frameworks, and global networks, including the role of the Universal Prevention Curriculum in creating a common language across regions. Dr. Sloboda also shares lessons from delivering training in diverse cultural contexts, what prevention professionals around the world have in common, and where gaps in training and research still exist.
This episode also tackles the harder questions: how to sustain and retain the prevention workforce, why career pathways remain underdeveloped, and what still keeps Dr. Sloboda concerned about the future of the field. It closes with a forward-looking reflection on online and blended learning, youth engagement, and what gives her hope for the next generation of prevention professionals.
Featured Voices
Host – A/Prof. Goodman Sibeko
ISSUP Global Scientific Advisor.
Head of Addiction Psychiatry, University of Cape Town.
LinkedIn: goodmansibeko
Twitter/X: @profgsibeko
Guest – Dr Zili Sloboda
Dr Zili Sloboda is a global leader in prevention science whose work has shaped evidence-based prevention practice worldwide.
Time Stamps
[00:00] – Introduction
[00:40] – Why Workforce Development Matters in Prevention
[01:13] – What Makes a Strong Prevention Professional
[03:25] – Building Professional Identity in Prevention
[05:29] – The Universal Prevention Curriculum and Closing Gaps
[08:24] – Lessons from Training Across Regions and Cultures
[10:14] –Barriers to Sustaining the Prevention Workforce
[13:49] – Online and Blended Learning for Workforce Development
[17:45] – Closing Reflections
About the ISSUP Exchange
The ISSUP Exchange podcast series explores the evolution of responses to the challenges of substance use—from research and training to ethics, quality standards and evidence-based practice. We connect the dots so you can see the big picture.
Explore more episodes and join the ISSUP podcast community here>>>
About ISSUP
ISSUP is a global network that unites, connects, and shares knowledge across the substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery support workforce. Our mission is to make our members’ work as effective as possible—by providing access to training, resources, and a vibrant professional community.
View all episodes
By ISSUPIn this third episode of Prevention Unpacked with Dr. Zili Sloboda, the focus shifts from science to the people who make prevention possible.
Dr. Sloboda reflects on why workforce development has become central to the future of prevention, and why evidence alone is never enough without skilled, supported professionals to put it into practice. She speaks candidly about the competencies that matter most in prevention work, from care and humility to monitoring, feedback, and fidelity in implementation.
The conversation explores how prevention has moved toward professionalisation through shared standards, training frameworks, and global networks, including the role of the Universal Prevention Curriculum in creating a common language across regions. Dr. Sloboda also shares lessons from delivering training in diverse cultural contexts, what prevention professionals around the world have in common, and where gaps in training and research still exist.
This episode also tackles the harder questions: how to sustain and retain the prevention workforce, why career pathways remain underdeveloped, and what still keeps Dr. Sloboda concerned about the future of the field. It closes with a forward-looking reflection on online and blended learning, youth engagement, and what gives her hope for the next generation of prevention professionals.
Featured Voices
Host – A/Prof. Goodman Sibeko
ISSUP Global Scientific Advisor.
Head of Addiction Psychiatry, University of Cape Town.
LinkedIn: goodmansibeko
Twitter/X: @profgsibeko
Guest – Dr Zili Sloboda
Dr Zili Sloboda is a global leader in prevention science whose work has shaped evidence-based prevention practice worldwide.
Time Stamps
[00:00] – Introduction
[00:40] – Why Workforce Development Matters in Prevention
[01:13] – What Makes a Strong Prevention Professional
[03:25] – Building Professional Identity in Prevention
[05:29] – The Universal Prevention Curriculum and Closing Gaps
[08:24] – Lessons from Training Across Regions and Cultures
[10:14] –Barriers to Sustaining the Prevention Workforce
[13:49] – Online and Blended Learning for Workforce Development
[17:45] – Closing Reflections
About the ISSUP Exchange
The ISSUP Exchange podcast series explores the evolution of responses to the challenges of substance use—from research and training to ethics, quality standards and evidence-based practice. We connect the dots so you can see the big picture.
Explore more episodes and join the ISSUP podcast community here>>>
About ISSUP
ISSUP is a global network that unites, connects, and shares knowledge across the substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery support workforce. Our mission is to make our members’ work as effective as possible—by providing access to training, resources, and a vibrant professional community.