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REMINDER: WADA to host four Regional Symposiums in 2026 to prepare stakeholders for implementation of 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards

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With the 2025 World Conference on Doping in Sport in Busan, Republic of Korea fast approaching, and the drafts of the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards freshly published, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) would like to remind stakeholders of the dates and locations of the 2026 Regional Symposiums, which will focus on preparing for the implementation of the 2027 Code and Standards.  

The cities and dates (in calendar order) are as follows: 

1. Europe: Baku, Azerbaijan on 18-19 March

- Executive Committee meeting to be held on 17 March

2. Africa: Cairo, Egypt on 28-29 April

3. Asia and Oceania: Beijing, China on 2-3 June

- Intergovernmental Ministerial Meeting to be held on 1 June  

4. Americas: Lima, Peru on 1-2 July

Objectives – Informing, building confidence, and connecting 

In February 2025, WADA announced that in 2026, instead of its traditional Annual Symposium, it would be hosting four Regional Symposiums in order to address the unique needs and challenges of stakeholders in the different regions in the lead up to implementation of the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code (Code) and International Standards.  

The Regional Symposiums will be structured around WADA’s 2027 Code Implementation Support Program (CISP) with a strong emphasis on compliance readiness. The primary objectives of the events will be: 

  • to inform stakeholders of the changes and requirements in the 2027 Code and Standards; 
  • to build stakeholders' confidence in implementing the required changes to their anti-doping programs; and 
  • to facilitate connection and collaboration between stakeholders. 

Participants can expect presentations on the Code and Standards that will be focused on the technical aspects of preparing for implementation. 

These four Regional Symposiums are geared towards anti-doping practitioners from National Anti-Doping Organizations, International Federations, and Major Event Organizers; as well as WADA-accredited laboratories and service providers; and will also welcome athletes and government representatives.     

Registration details coming soon 

Registration for the 2026 European Regional Symposium will open in mid-December 2025, at which time the preliminary program and other event-specific details will be made available. Registration for the other 2026 Regional Symposiums will open in early 2026.  

Kindly note that stakeholders are welcome to attend any of the four Regional Symposiums, not just the Symposium specific to their region. 

Please stay tuned for more information.  In the meantime, we look forward to seeing many of you in Busan.