The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has highlighted the crucial need for “harmonisation” among stakeholders to adopt the upcoming World Anti-Doping Code. Set to be effective from January 1 next year, the new Code and International Standards aim to strengthen anti-doping efforts globally. WADA, in collaboration with the China Anti-Doping Agency, is currently hosting the Asia and Oceania Intergovernmental Ministerial Meeting and Symposium in Beijing.
Witold Banka, the President of WADA, assured stakeholders of the agency’s support as they prepare for the implementation of the new Code. He emphasized the collective responsibility to ensure that all Code signatories are prepared by January 1, 2027. Banka expressed optimism about the unity within the anti-doping community, citing the successful World Conference in Busan last year as an example to follow.
Following a productive Intergovernmental Ministerial Meeting attended by over 140 representatives from Asia and Oceania, Banka urged stakeholders to swiftly adopt the new regulations and standards in alignment with the Code. He stressed the significance of harmonizing the system to effectively implement the Code. The meeting concluded with unanimous approval of a resolution by all governments, reaffirming their stance against the politicization of anti-doping efforts.
