The Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHI-NADO), represented by its Head, Dr. Alejandro V. Pineda, Jr. and Media and Stakeholder Engagement Consultant, Royce Salen took part in the recently concluded 6th World Conference on Doping in Sport at Busan, Republic of Korea on December 1st to 5th, 2025. This event marked history as it was the first international conference held in Asia since the establishment of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

 

Organized by WADA, in partnership with the Korean Anti-Doping Agency (KADA) and the Metropolitan City of Busan, the Conference was attended by around 2,000 delegates from 163 countries, including representatives of Regional and National Anti-Doping Organizations (RADOs and NADOs), government officials, testing laboratories, International Sports Federations, national athletes, and media partners.

 

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio also participated in the Conference through his 3-minute intervention, wherein he reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to upholding clean sport. As he said, “The Philippines proudly renews its commitment to this journey — guided by the 2027 Code — to shape a future where we contribute meaningfully to a worldwide sporting community built on trust, true excellence, and deep respect. In protecting clean, fair, and integrity-driven sport, we empower our champions with the best values of the human spirit.”

 

During the opening ceremonies on December 2nd, WADA President Witold Bańka delivered a welcome message, wherein he highlighted the importance of the World Anti-Doping Codes and Standards for the future of anti-doping in sports. He said, “We will build a better future. It is our goal to protect all the players in the world. All sportspeople around the world should unite to protect the dreams and hopes of the athletes in accordance with this protocol.” WADA Vice President Yang Yang, Busan Metropolitan City Mayor Park Heong-joon, KADA President Dr. Yun Jun Yang, International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry, Senior Advisor of Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Dr. Koji Murofushi, and Conference Ambassador, Professional Volleyball Player, Kim Yeon-Koung also delivered short but impactful messages. The program also included a musical performance featuring Korean traditional and modern music followed by a cocktail reception.

 

The succeeding sessions from December 3rd to 4th highlighted the upcoming changes to the World Anti-Doping Program (Code and Standards), in preparation for the adoption and implementation of the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards. Delegate interventions allowed the voices of several delegates to be heard, and these were considered in the adoption of the Conference Resolution or the “Busan Declaration” in a WADA Board Meeting on the morning of December 5th. This document highlighted the direction to which the international anti-doping policies are headed in the future.

 

The Conference concluded with a closing message by WADA President Bańka and an adorable performance by the Brillante Children’s Choir.

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Click here for more photos of the event.