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WADA opens registration for its first 2026 Regional Symposium to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18-19 March
Photo: bakuconventioncenter.com
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is pleased to announce that online registration is now open for its 2026 Regional Symposium for Europe, which will take place on 18-19 March 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The first of WADA’s four Regional Symposiums taking place in 2026, the European edition will be co-hosted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijan National Anti-Doping Agency, and will be held at the Baku Convention Center.
Objectives – Informing, building confidence, and connecting
In February 2025, WADA announced that instead of its traditional Annual Symposium, it would be hosting four Regional Symposiums in 2026 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, as well as panel discussions, practical workshops, and networking sessions.
Target Audience
The European Regional Symposium is 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 governments.
Kindly note that stakeholders are welcome to attend any of the four Regional Symposiums and are also welcome to attend more than one Regional Symposium if the number of registrations allows.
Registration
Those interested in attending should register for the European Regional Symposium via the registration page by 28 February 2025 (23:59 AZT). The Symposium website contains all relevant information regarding the event, including the preliminary program, how to register, and hotel recommendations.
Registration for the other 2026 Regional Symposiums (listed below) will open in early 2026.
- Africa: Cairo, Egypt on 28-29 April
- Asia and Oceania: Beijing, China on 2-3 June
- Americas: Lima, Peru on 1-2 July
Should you have any questions, please contact WADA's Event Management team at: europesymposium2026@wada-ama.org.
We look forward to welcoming many of you in Baku in March.
