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WADA leadership stresses importance of Government support during 20th annual Asia and Oceania Intergovernmental Ministerial Meeting on Anti-Doping in Sport
This week, the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA’s) President, Vice-President and Director General were in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), for the 20th annual Asia and Oceania Intergovernmental Ministerial Meeting on Anti-Doping in Sport, which took place on 17-18 June.
Throughout the meeting, WADA’s senior leadership team emphasized the important role of Governments in the implementation of the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards which will be adopted later this year, and presented the priorities of WADA’s 2025-2029 Strategic Plan to over 80 participants representing 32 countries.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the participating Government officials, ministers and anti-doping stakeholders adopted a resolution committing their united support for the sustained development of anti-doping programs across the region. A key element of the resolution includes their joining the growing list of anti-doping stakeholders taking a firm stance against the Enhanced Games.
In his opening address, Mr. Bańka thanked the UAE Government and the UAE National Anti-Doping Agency, led by Dr. Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, President of UAE NADA, for hosting the meeting, and highlighted how governments played a crucial role in the ongoing Intelligence and Investigations Capability and Capacity Building project currently underway in Asia and Oceania.
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He said: “This meeting is a staple of the anti-doping calendar. WADA commends the Government of the United Arab Emirates and the UAE National Anti-Doping Agency for their efforts in organizing this year’s Asia and Oceania Intergovernmental Ministerial Meeting on Anti-Doping in Sport. We look forward to seeing the advancements made as a result of the discussions held this week.
“The expansion of the Intelligence and Investigations Department’s Capability and Capacity Building Project is well underway in Asia and Oceania. Workshops have been held in Australia, Saudi Arabia and India, and there are more to come, including two in Thailand. The level of engagement from the participants in these regions has been impressive, and WADA is pleased to see that the lessons instilled during these workshops have already laid the foundation for collaborative operations between National Anti-Doping Organizations and law enforcement.
“This project is another excellent example of what can be achieved when we work together and is also a testament to what NADOs can achieve with the proper support of Governments. This is a critical area of doping detection and prevention. By supporting the NADOs in this area of their work, Governments can play a direct role in ensuring a level playing field for athletes in their countries and around the world.”
Dr. Al Jaber said: “It was a pleasure welcoming the World Anti-Doping Agency and stakeholders from around the Asia and Oceania region to Dubai for this milestone edition of the Intergovernmental Ministerial Meeting on Anti-Doping in Sport. Governments have a critical role to play in the protection of clean sport. The ministers and Government officials in attendance this week took part in fruitful discussions and will take with them knowledge and best practices that will allow them to effectively support the anti-doping efforts in their countries in the months and years to come.”
Following an introduction of the forum participants by the Director of WADA’s Asia/Oceania Office, Dr. YaYa Yamamoto, WADA Director General Olivier Niggli spoke to the participants about the Code update, and the important role of Governments in supporting National Anti-Doping Organizations in the leadup to and during its implementation over the next year and half.
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Mr. Niggli said: “The 2027 Code Review has reinforced the importance of ensuring harmonized policies, rules and regulations are in place around the globe. The final versions of the Code and International Standards will be prepared in the months to come, culminating with their approval later this year during the sixth World Conference on Doping in Sport in Busan, Republic of Korea.
“Signatories will have all of 2026 to prepare for the Code entering into force on 1 January 2027, and WADA asks all Governments to ensure they are providing their National Anti-Doping Organizations with the resources and financial support necessary to ensure a smooth transition to the next version of the Code.”
Vice-President Yang Yang also delivered an opening address during the second day of the meeting, and underscored how Governments could reinforce the significance of proper anti-doping education in countries throughout Asia and Oceania.
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She said: “Education remains a crucial and necessary part of any strong anti-doping program. WADA has made resources available to stakeholders around the world, namely through the Anti-Doping Education and Learning Platform (ADEL). As such, NADOs have access to the tools they need to provide young athletes and their entourage with the knowledge required to feel confident about the anti-doping process. The Global Learning and Development Framework is also in place to support the training of anti-doping practitioners, to help NADOs build out strong anti-doping programs in their respective countries.
“That said, there is more work to be done. Governments are in a great position to support ADOs in this area, namely by encouraging ADOs to access GLDF training and to ensure that values-based education is included in the school curriculum nationwide. Governments can also support NADOs by helping them connect with the national sport federations, so that young athletes and their support personnel have access to proper education during the formative years of their careers.”
Dr. Yamamoto and WADA’s Director of Government Relations, Darren Mullaly, completed WADA’s team in Dubai and took the opportunity to engage with all Governments and provide guidance on matters being discussed.
