The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) acknowledges the 'recommendations in principle' that were made today, to WADA, during the International Olympic Committee's (IOC's) Olympic Summit held in Lausanne, Switzerland.
"WADA welcomes all constructive proposals aimed at reinforcing clean sport," said Sir Craig Reedie, WADA President. "Today's Summit was one more stop on our road to strengthening WADA and the global anti-doping system," he continued. "The recommendations that were put forward today will be considered along with others that we have received from stakeholders on such key topics as: WADA's governance and funding model; consequences for non-compliance; investigations; and testing."
"It was encouraging to hear the sentiment expressed in today's Olympic Summit that echoes the consensus reached by other stakeholders to the effect that WADA must be given greater authority and regulatory powers," Reedie continued. "We will take these ideas forward with us into WADA's Foundation Board meeting on 20 November; at which, the process towards a 'roadmap' will be drawn up," added Reedie.
On 20 September, WADA's first multi-stakeholder Think Tank reached an eight-point consensus to the effect that WADA must be strengthened and empowered with greater independence and sanctioning power. The consensus was endorsed by WADA's Executive Committee the following day. On 20 November, WADA's Foundation Board will consider the consensus and the Summit's recommendations; along with, outcomes that will stem from the Government Forum of 17-18 November and other stakeholders. The Foundation Board will begin the process towards a 'roadmap', which will include further consultation, aimed at strengthening key areas of anti-doping; as well as, providing a direction for the future of the system. As part of its consultation process, WADA plans on holding more Think Tanks in 2017.
Today's Olympic Summit - a meeting called by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President several times a year - included representatives of the Olympic Movement; such as: the IOC President, Vice Presidents and Executive Board Members; and, the Presidents of a number of International Sports Federations; National Olympic Committees; umbrella organizations such as the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), the Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations (AIOWF), the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) and SportAccord; WADA (Sir Craig Reedie); and, the International Paralympic Committee.