India has been re-elected as the Vice-Chairperson of the Bureau for the Asia-Pacific (Group IV) at the 10th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP10) to the International Convention against Doping in Sport
About International Convention against Doping in Sport
The International Convention against Doping in Sport is a multilateral treaty developed by UNESCO to harmonize anti-doping legislation and enforce measures to prevent and eliminate doping globally. As the only legally binding international instrument in this field, it creates a worldwide framework for governments to address the issue in cooperation with anti-doping organizations. 
Background and objectives

• Adoption and ratification: The convention was adopted during UNESCO's 33rd General Conference on October 19, 2005, and entered into force on February 1, 2007. With 192 State Parties, it is UNESCO's second most ratified treaty.
• Central aim: Its main goal is to protect the integrity of sports and the health of athletes by creating a safe and level playing field.
• Harmonization of rules: The convention requires member states to align their anti-doping rules with the World Anti-Doping Code developed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), ensuring consistency in testing and sanctions across jurisdictions.
• Governmental commitment: It provides a legal framework for governments to support WADA and take appropriate national measures, which may include legislation, regulation, policies, or administrative practices. 

Key features
National-level actions:

• Restricting availability: States agree to restrict the availability and use of prohibited substances and methods, including controls on production, importation, and distribution.
• Financial measures: Governments can withhold financial support from athletes or sports organizations that violate anti-doping rules.
• Domestic coordination: It encourages coordination between national authorities, sports organizations, and anti-doping organizations.

International cooperation:
Support for WADA: State Parties commit to supporting WADA's mission and funding structure.

• Assisted testing: The treaty facilitates international cooperation to expedite doping controls, including the movement of testing teams and samples across borders.
• Knowledge sharing: It promotes the sharing of anti-doping research and best practices among nations.

Education and training:

• Awareness programs: The convention supports the development of educational programs to inform athletes and support staff about the harm of doping, control procedures, and prohibited substances.
• Ethical codes: It encourages professional associations to create ethical codes of conduct regarding anti-doping in sports.
• Funding mechanism: The Anti-Doping Fund provides financial support for anti-doping projects, particularly for education, awareness, and capacity-building programs in countries needing assistance. 

Governance and monitoring

• Conference of Parties (COP): This is the sovereign body of the convention and meets biennially to oversee implementation, review national compliance reports, and make amendments.
• Monitoring tool (ADLogic): A self-assessment questionnaire, ADLogic, is used by State Parties to report on measures taken to comply with the convention every two years.
• Partnerships: The convention facilitates collaboration among governments, sports federations, the International Olympic Committee, and other stakeholders in the global sport integrity ecosystem. 

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