WADA President addresses sport organization leaders at SportAccord International Federation Forum 2024

This week, the President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Witold Bańka, was in Lausanne, Switzerland, to address the leaders of International Federations (IFs) from around the world at SportAccord International Federation Forum 2024 (IF Forum). 

The annual forum, which offers thematic sessions designed to be of value to International Sport Federations, convened in excess of 350 sport leaders and key decision makers from more than 120 IFs and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). 

In line with the theme of this year’s forum, ‘Ensuring your International Federation is match fit and future ready’, Mr. Bańka’s keynote speech emphasized the need for IFs to properly support and resource their personnel, so that they can effectively manage their anti-doping programs. 

Mr. Bańka said: “We cannot overstate the importance of the role of International Federations in the protection of clean sport. The World Anti-Doping Code places a lot of responsibility on IFs, and each one has a key part to play in implementing anti-doping policies and rules which conform with the Code and International Standards. Without the day-to-day work of the International Federations, sport as we know it would simply not exist. 

“Managing the numerous responsibilities takes a lot of resources. For many IFs, anti-doping can take up a sizable part of the budget. This week, WADA called on the leaders of International Federations around the world to remain attentive to the needs of their personnel, specifically as it pertains to their anti-doping efforts. WADA also strongly encourages IFs to collaborate with their counterparts at other federations. Working alongside our partners within the Sport Movement is crucial and will continue to be in the years to come.” 

Earlier in the day, Mr. Bańka also delivered a speech during the Association of IOC Recognized International Sports Federations’ (ARISF’s) 40th General Assembly. Mr. Bańka encouraged the ARISF leaders to take advantage of the numerous opportunities to participate in WADA’s governance, namely by informing its members to present eligible candidates by 25 October for the upcoming Group 2 Athlete Council election, and urged member federations to consider submitting candidates to serve on its numerous committees and expert advisory groups. 

WADA Athlete Council member and Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, Emma Terho, was also in attendance at the Forum to participate in the session titled ‘A robust anti-doping system in 2024 and beyond’. 

Ms. Terho said: “It was a pleasure to represent WADA’s Athlete Council and the IOC Athletes’ Commission at this year’s IF Forum. The Athlete Council is comprised of members recommended by International Federation athlete commissions. I echo President Bańka’s call to IFs and urge the leaders of the Sport Movement to encourage their athlete members to present their candidacies before this week’s deadline. The Athlete Council is keen on working closely with IF athlete commissions, as they are the key messengers of clean sport values. As we look toward the future of anti-doping, it is important for athletes to seize this opportunity to shape the future of anti-doping.”