26/02/2025
Papua New Guinea’s Commitment to the UNESCO Anti-Doping Convention
Papua New Guinea (PNG) has been a proud signatory to the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport since 2009, when it was ratified by the then Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Sam Abal. This ratification signifies PNG’s commitment to upholding the integrity of sports and ensuring a fair playing field for all athletes.
Papua New Guinea’s Commitment to the UNESCO Anti-Doping Convention
Papua New Guinea (PNG) has been a proud signatory to the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport since 2009, when it was ratified by the then Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Sam Abal. This ratification signifies PNG’s commitment to upholding the integrity of sports and ensuring a fair playing field for all athletes.
Government Obligations Under the UNESCO Anti-Doping Convention
As a signatory, the Government of Papua New Guinea is bound by its commitment to the Convention. This means PNG must implement measures to combat doping in sport, including enforcing anti-doping rules, promoting education and awareness, and ensuring adequate funding and resources for anti-doping programs. Compliance with the Convention is crucial for maintaining international credibility and supporting PNG athletes in fair and drug-free competition.
Why Governments Are Summoned to the Fight Against Doping.
UNESCO initiated the Anti-Doping Convention to ensure that governments play an active role in combating doping—a threat not only to fair competition but also to the health and safety of athletes. While sports organizations, such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs), lead the fight against doping in sports, they require strong governmental support to enforce laws, regulate the distribution of banned substances, and fund anti-doping initiatives.
Governments, including PNG, have a duty to align their policies with the World Anti-Doping Code, ensuring that national legislation supports efforts to eliminate doping. This cooperation between government and sporting bodies strengthens the overall integrity of sports on both a national and global scale.
COP10 – The 10th Conference of Parties (2025)
The Biennial Conference of Parties (COP) serves as a key platform where governments discuss progress and challenges in implementing the Convention. In 2025, the 10th Conference of Parties (COP10) will be held in Paris, France, from September 29 to October 1. This event will be a milestone in global anti-doping efforts and a critical moment for PNG.
PNG’s National Report and Compliance Status
A significant aspect of COP10 is the presentation of the 2024/2025 PNG National Report, which will assess whether PNG is compliant with its obligations under the Convention. This report will highlight PNG’s progress in implementing anti-doping policies, education, testing, and legislation.
Compliance is measured against 34 key articles of the UNESCO Anti-Doping Convention. These articles cover areas such as:
• Aligning national laws and policies with the World Anti-Doping Code
• Promoting anti-doping education and awareness
• Funding and supporting anti-doping programs
• Conducting doping control and ensuring athlete protection
The National Report for PNG in the COP9 in 2023 stated that PNG is non-compliant with only 23.8%. The compliance rate is 60%.
The Way Forward for PNG
For PNG to remain compliant and uphold its international reputation, full implementation of the 34 articles is essential. The government, through the Ministry of Sports, must work closely with the PNG Sports Anti-Doping Organisation (PNGSADO), and international bodies to strengthen anti-doping measures.
With COP10 approaching, this is a call for all stakeholders—athletes, sports organizations, anti-doping practitioners, and government officials—to reaffirm their commitment to clean and fair sport in PNG.
Together, we can ensure that PNG athletes compete on the world stage with integrity, free from the harmful effects of doping. Let’s stand united in preserving the true spirit of sports!
