WADA Congress to Be Held in Busan for the First Time in Asia... Over 2,000 Participants from 191 Countries Expected

"A Platform for Defining Fair Standards in Sports"
Discussion on the World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards

The city of Busan announced that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Congress will be held in Busan for five days from December 1 to December 5, marking the first time the event is hosted in Asia. The congress is co-organized by the city and the Korea Anti-Doping Agency (KADA), with support from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The congress will bring together over 2,000 participants from 191 countries, including government representatives, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), international sports federations, and national anti-doping organizations. They will discuss amendments to the World Anti-Doping Code and international standards, as well as work toward the adoption of the "Busan Declaration." Key figures such as WADA President Witold Banka, IOC Athletes' Commission Chair Kirsty Coventry, former IOC President Thomas Bach, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young, foreign sports ministers and vice ministers, international federation representatives, and Korean Sport & Olympic Committee President Ryu Seungmin will be in attendance.

During the congress, discussions will focus on amendments to the "World Anti-Doping Code" and its implementation guidelines, the "International Standards," which international sports organizations and national anti-doping agencies must comply with for six years starting in 2027. The "Busan Declaration," outlining anti-doping policy directions and the international community's shared commitment, will also be prepared.

Meetings and official events to finalize the code and international standards will take place around BEXCO during the congress. The plenary sessions will run from December 3 to 5, alongside committee meetings such as the Athletes' Commission and government body sessions. Official events begin on December 1 with a pre-congress dinner hosted by Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young at Nurimaru APEC House, followed by the opening ceremony on December 2 and a welcome dinner hosted by Mayor Park Hyungjoon on December 3. The congress will conclude with the announcement of the "Busan Declaration" on the final day.

On December 2 at 10 a.m., an athlete committee mentoring program will take place at schools in the Busan area. At Busan Sports High School, around 15 WADA athlete committee members, including IOC Athletes' Commission Chair Emma Terho, along with KADA-affiliated athletes Kim Nara, Hong Seokman, Won Yunjong, and Ki Bobae, will visit to engage with student athletes through anti-doping quizzes and VR experiences.

At the same time, Kim Yeonkyoung, a KADA athlete committee member and official ambassador for the congress, will visit Gyeongnam Girls' Middle School to provide anti-doping education and training guidance to the volleyball teams of Gyeongnam Girls' Middle and High Schools.

Food and beverage companies such as Dong-A Otsuka, Muggervone, Samjin Eomuk, Lee Daemyunggwa, and Golden Blue are participating as official sponsors of the congress. Dong-A Otsuka will provide "The Mashinda," Pocari Sweat, and Linebassa sparkling water; Muggervone will offer low-sugar protein almond snacks; Samjin Eomuk will supply fish jerky snacks; Lee Daemyunggwa will provide traditional Korean crackers; and Golden Blue will support with its fermented mushroom liquor "Cheonnyeon Yakso."

Mayor Park Hyungjoon stated, "This congress is an opportunity to showcase Busan's elevated status as a global sports and MICE hub city," adding, "Even after the congress, we will continue to promote the values of fair sports and pursue follow-up initiatives to strengthen international cooperation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.