Global anti-doping conference closes in Busan with new code, declaration on stronger cooperation
Second Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Kim Dae-hyun speaks during the closing ceremony of the sixth World Conference on Doping in Sport in Busan, Friday. Courtesy of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
BUSAN — The sixth edition of the World Conference on Doping in Sport wrapped up Friday in the southeastern city of Busan, as the next edition of the global anti-doping code was finalized.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) held its biggest international gathering in Asia for the first time this week, after holding the conference in Switzerland, Denmark, Spain, South Africa and Poland.
On the final day of the meeting, WADA's Foundation Board approved the new World Anti-Doping Code and its Executive Committee approved the accompanying International Standards.
These documents will take effect Jan. 1, 2027, and will be in force until 2033.
"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," WADA President Witold Banka said.
"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."
Following these approvals, the "Busan Declaration" was endorsed at the end of the conference.
According to WADA, the document calls on all stakeholders to take the following steps: reinforce their anti-doping education, deterrence, detection, investigation and sanctioning efforts; increase resources dedicated to protecting clean sport; strengthen collaboration and cooperation; and unite toward 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.
The conference brought together some 2,000 participants from 191 nations and was attended by global sports leaders, including International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry and heads of world governing bodies for sports such as badminton, wrestling and table tennis.