Speaking during a high-level session of the Conference yesterday, President Temengil emphasised that capacity building must be recognised as the foundation of compliance arguing that without strong, well-resourced anti-doping systems, athletes in less-developed regions remain vulnerable and global fairness cannot be achieved.

“Compliance cannot stand without capacity. What does fairness mean if some athletes compete under strong anti-doping systems while others remain vulnerable? Compliance is not just a set of rules—it is trust, equality, and the integrity of sport.” -  President Baklai Temengil  

President Temengil highlighted significant disparities in the resourcing and independence of National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs) around the world. She noted that emerging and smaller nations particularly in Oceania and other developing regions require sustained support to build robust testing, education, and investigative systems.

“A NADO without staff, knowledge, or stable resources cannot test effectively or investigate properly. Even the best rules remain words on paper without trained people to enforce them.” -  President Temengil  

In her remarks, she urged governments and public authorities to strengthen national frameworks and align fully with the UNESCO Convention Against Doping in Sport, underscoring that funding and legislation are essential to ensuring anti-doping independence and athlete protection.

She also called on WADA to further expand its mandate for capacity building - reinforcing global support for education, intelligence and investigations, workforce development, and strengthening less-resourced ADOs.

“If compliance becomes only an obligation, without real support, blind spots will grow and athletes in less-resourced regions will be most at risk.” -  President Temengil  

President Temengil also reflected on the Oceania context, noting that several National Olympic Committees in the region operate as NADOs with support from the Oceania Regional Anti-Doping Organisation - demonstrating the strength of cooperation, but also the ongoing need for investment and knowledge sharing.

As the Conference brings together leaders from sport, government, and anti-doping organisations, President Temengil urged delegates to leave Busan with concrete commitments to global partnership and resource sharing.

“The first step on the journey to compliance must be capacity building. Together, we can ensure that every athlete, everywhere, trusts the fairness of the playing field.” - President Temengil  

The 2025 World Conference on Doping in Sport runs from 1 to 5 December in Busan and convenes the global anti-doping community to shape the future of athlete protection and clean sport.