The World Anti-Doping Agency – WADA – has confirmed the cities that will host its regional symposia between March and July 2026, as part of the process to draft its new 2027 World Anti-Doping Code. These gatherings will replace the organization’s Annual Symposium next year and will be held in Europe, Africa, Asia/Oceania, and the Americas.

The selected dates and locations are as follows: Baku (Azerbaijan) on March 18–19, Cairo (Egypt) on April 28–29, Beijing (China) on June 2–3, and Lima (Peru) on July 1–2. WADA expressed its appreciation for all countries that submitted proposals and emphasized that the chosen cities met or exceeded the established criteria.

Meetings focused on preparation for 2027

The aim of the symposia is to address the specific needs of different regions in preparation for the implementation of the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and its International Standards.

Following a stakeholder consultation process, the new Code will be approved during the World Conference on Doping in Sport, which will take place in December in Busan, Republic of Korea, and will come into effect on January 1, 2027.

Interactive sessions with athlete and government participation

The format of the symposia will prioritize direct interaction among participants. The program will include sessions dedicated to case study analysis, peer-to-peer exchanges, stakeholder storytelling, and active participation from athletes and government representatives.

WADA believes this approach will strengthen collaboration and generate region-specific solutions aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of the Code and consistent standards in the global fight against doping.