"Busan Declaration" Revises Global Anti-Doping Code... "Strengthening Fair Sports"

Successful Conclusion of the 2025 World Anti-Doping Agency General Assembly in Busan

The first international conference of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to be held in Asia since its establishment has concluded successfully in Busan.

Kim Daehyun, Second Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, delivers a farewell address at the closing ceremony of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) General Assembly held on the 5th at BEXCO in Haeundae-gu, Busan. Photo by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on December 5 that the 2025 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) General Assembly, held at BEXCO in Busan from December 1 to 5, successfully wrapped up with more than 2,000 participants, including government delegations, international sports federations, and athlete representatives from 163 countries around the world.

Anti-Doping Code and International Standards Amendments Finalized

At the closing ceremony held at BEXCO in Busan on December 5, amendments to the Anti-Doping Code (WADA Code) and International Standards, which will take effect from 2027, were finalized. The amendments include strengthened protection for youth athletes, enhanced independence and transparency of anti-doping organizations, increased international cooperation, and improved testing and analysis procedures.

The "Busan Declaration," reflecting the international community's shared commitment to anti-doping, was also officially adopted. As a significant document outlining the future direction of international anti-doping policy, the declaration focuses on upholding the value of fair play, expanding cooperation between countries, strengthening the protection of athletes' rights, and reinforcing the independence of national anti-doping organizations. Notably, for the first time, the declaration includes a provision-proposed by the Korean government-to strengthen anti-doping education using digital tools.

In his farewell address, Vice Minister Kim Daehyun emphasized, "'The Busan Declaration' is based on a new system that prioritizes better testing frameworks, fair procedures, and the protection of athletes." He added, "I hope these discussions will not remain on paper, but will lead to real changes in stadiums, locker rooms, and in the sweat of young athletes around the world."

The closing ceremony also featured a tribute to Richard Young, the principal drafter of the first World Anti-Doping Code in 2003, honoring the history and values of the global anti-doping movement. In addition, the event symbolized that the new anti-doping standards will serve as the foundation for the future of sports, culminating with a performance by the Brillante Children's Choir.

Sports Diplomacy with Major Countries and International Olympic Committee Members

Prior to the closing ceremony, on December 4, Vice Minister Kim Daehyun held bilateral meetings with Hiroyuki Nakamura, Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan; Tong Lixin, Deputy Director of the General Administration of Sport of China; and Abdulaziz Al-Masaad, Vice Minister of Sports of Saudi Arabia, to discuss expanding sports exchanges and ways to enhance international public-private cooperation in sports.

On the evening of December 4, together with Yoo Seungmin, President of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, Vice Minister Kim hosted a dinner for International Olympic Committee (IOC) members to further strengthen cooperation.

Following the General Assembly, Vice Minister Kim will attend the WADA Executive Committee as a board member, where he plans to actively engage in discussions on international anti-doping policy and take the lead in strengthening international cooperation for fair sports.

Vice Minister Kim Daehyun stated, "This General Assembly in Busan was a meaningful occasion that marks a new era of international anti-doping cooperation," adding, "Korea will continue to do its utmost to implement and strengthen international anti-doping standards and cooperation, so that athletes can compete in a safer and fairer environment."