From 2 to 3 June, the 2026 Regional Symposium for Asia/Oceania was held in Beijing. Hosted by WADA and co-hosted by CHINADA, the event welcomed almost 400 participants from all over both continents.

Focusing on the implementation of the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards, the symposium featured in-depth discussions aimed at supporting Anti-Doping Organizations and other stakeholders across Asia and Oceania to prepare for the revision and implementation of the new Code.

During the opening day’s first session, WADA President Bańka highly praised the unity of the international community in his key-note speech and urged all  Code Signatories to fully absorb the outcomes of the symposium over the coming months. “It is incumbent upon all of us to take the necessary steps to ensure that Code Signatories are ready on 1 January 2027 when the updated rules come into force”, Bańka said. CHINADA Director General Li Zhiquan expressed that the updated Code and Standards mark a new chapter for the ever-evolving anti-doping system. “It is up to all of us to ensure that we are harmonized and united in charting the path forward towards the implementation of the 2027 Code and Standards”, Li said. WADA Vice-President Yang Yang, Chair of Athlete Council Ryan Pini, and Director of Asia/Oceania office Dr. Yaya Yamamoto held an insightful discussion on fostering a shared implementation mindset toward the new Code.

Tan Yujiao, three-time Paralympic gold-medalist (powerlifting), member of the IPC Athlete Council and member of WADA’s Athlete Council, served as one of the moderators for the symposium.

Through case studies and peer exchanges, the second-day for the symposium focused on changes to a number of International Standards and WADA’s Code Implementation Support Program, giving more details and support for Code Signatories for compliance in the coming six year.

The symposium marks another collaborative event between WADA and CHINADA following WADA’s 2018 Global Education Conference.