WADA World Conference on Doping in Sport concludes with approval of 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards

Agency’s Foundation Board holds its annual meeting and takes a number of decisions  

The World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA’s) sixth World Conference on Doping in Sport concluded today in Busan, Republic of Korea, with WADA’s Foundation Board (Board) approving the World Anti-Doping Code (Code), and the Executive Committee (ExCo) approving the International Standards, at special meetings this morning.  

All these documents will come into force on 1 January 2027, along with the revised Athletes’ Anti-Doping Rights Act, which was reviewed in depth by WADA’s Athlete Council (AC) to strengthen and clarify athlete rights and ensure continued alignment with evolving anti-doping standards and athlete needs.  

WADA President Witold Bańka said: “Today’s approval of the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards is the culmination of years of collaborative work and tireless effort from the entire anti-doping and sporting communities. I wish to give special thanks to all members of the Code and International Standards drafting teams that took on the Herculean task of giving careful consideration to all of the comments we received from stakeholders around the globe, and look forward to continuing our work together in ensuring that stakeholders are properly prepared for the implementation of the new Code and Standards in 2027.   

“The revised Code and Standards prioritize the human rights of athletes, especially minors and other protected persons. They also increase the responsibilities of the entourage and of Anti-Doping Organizations. In other areas, the rules are also becoming more flexible to ensure they can be applied in a way that is both strong and fair. The Code was never meant to stand still. This is the fourth such revision, and it will continue to evolve and adapt to the modern world. The rules are fair, strong and designed to uphold a level playing field for all athletes of the world.  

“This is truly the World’s Code, not the WADA Code. It belongs to all of us, and we all have a responsibility to implement it fairly and effectively. One set of rules for every sport and every country. This is why WADA was founded 26 years ago. It is what sport needs and what athletes deserve.” 

Busan Declaration 

Following the approvals of the Code and Standards and building upon the interventions made by delegates on 3 December 2025, the ‘Busan Declaration’ was endorsed by the Conference and called upon all stakeholders involved in upholding clean sport to individually and collectively: 

• Reinforce their anti-doping education, deterrence, detection, investigation and sanctioning efforts; 
• Increase resources dedicated to protecting clean sport; 
• Strengthen collaboration and cooperation; and 
• Unite towards the mutual goals of continuing to build trust in the anti-doping system and eradicating doping in sport for the benefit of all athletes and the integrity of sport. 

Annual Foundation Board Meeting 

The Board met separately later in the day for its annual meeting, where members discussed and took decisions on several matters that are key to strengthening the global anti-doping system.   

Human Rights and Anti-Doping Framework 

The Board approved a Public Policy Statement on Human Rights and Anti-Doping, which builds on the Initial Human Rights Impact Assessment (IHRIA) that was commissioned in November 2022 and further commits WADA to protecting athletes’ fundamental right to participate in doping-free sport and thus promote health, fairness and equality for athletes worldwide. 

Shortly, WADA will publish the IHRIA, its Annex which documents the status of implementation for all report recommendations, and the Statement outlining WADA’s commitment. 

Budget 

The Board approved the 2026 Budget, as well as the ExCo’s recommendation to increase annual contributions by 3% each year between 2026-2028. These increases are designed to support additional investments aligned with the Cottier Report Recommendations and to advance the 2026–2028 vision, namely by elevating the athlete experience; strengthening the global anti-doping system by expanding the reach and impact of WADA’s science, education, and intelligence initiatives. 

Governance 

The Board approved the reappointment of Phil Hutchinson and Ana Tuiketei, two independent members of the Independent Ethics Board (IEB), for further three-year terms (from 19 May 2026 to 18 May 2029). 

The Board also approved proposed changes to the Terms of Reference of the Risk and Audit Committee (RAC) which strengthens the Committee’s role in providing oversight to WADA’s Internal Audit function.  

Other Board Updates   

The Board received annual updates from a number of WADA’s Permanent Special Committees and Standing Committees. It also heard reports from the Institute of National Anti-Doping Organizations (iNADO), International Testing Agency (ITA), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).    

Future Meetings  

WADA ExCo and Board meetings in 2026:  

Baku, Azerbaijan   

• 17-18 March 2026, ExCo   

Buenos Aires, Argentina   

• 10-11 September 2026, ExCo   

Manama, Bahrain   

• 24-25 November 2026, ExCo    
• 26 November 2026, Board  

About the World Conference 

The World Conference, which ran from 1-5 December, engaged stakeholders in high-level discussion and debate about the global anti-doping program and usher in the next edition of the World Anti-Doping Code (Code). It brought together more than 1,500 representatives from the sport movement, public authorities and anti-doping organizations, along with athletes, other anti-doping experts and members of the media. 

Note to editors:   

Photos from the World Conference are available here. These can be reproduced rights-free for editorial purposes, with the appropriate credit (WADA).