UNESCO, as the United Nations’ lead agency for physical education and sport, plays a vital role in promoting the educational, cultural, and social values of sport worldwide. Through policy guidance, technical assistance, and advisory services, UNESCO supports Member States in developing and strengthening inclusive and ethical sports systems that protect athletes and preserve the integrity of competition.

A cornerstone of UNESCO’s work in this area is the International Convention against Doping in Sport (2005). This landmark treaty is the only global legal instrument dedicated to anti-doping and provides governments with a common framework to harmonize anti-doping legislation, regulations, and policies in line with the World Anti-Doping Code. By doing so, it ensures a level, fair, and safe playing field for athletes at all levels of sport.

Adopted in 2005 and in force since 2007, the Convention now has 192 States Parties, including Sri Lanka, making it UNESCO’s second most widely ratified treaty. It reflects a strong global commitment to protecting public health and safeguarding the ethics, integrity, and universal values of sport.

The governance of the Convention is overseen by the Conference of Parties (COP), which meets biennially to guide implementation, monitor compliance, strengthen cooperation with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and oversee the use of resources from the Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport. Since 2008, this Fund has supported more than 200 anti-doping projects in over 120 countries, investing over USD 5 million in education, awareness, and capacity-building initiatives.

In Sri Lanka, the objectives of the Convention are implemented nationally through the the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency (SLADA). It ensures compliance with international anti-doping standards, promotes clean sport education, conducts testing and results management, and upholds Sri Lanka’s commitment to ethical, fair, and doping-free sport in alignment with UNESCO and WADA principles.