Montreal: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) acknowledges the proposals made on Tuesday by the leaders of 17 National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) at their Extraordinary Summit in Copenhagen.

The proposals, which have been put forth by the NADOs to ‘best serve the interests of clean athletes and restore confidence in the integrity of anti-doping decisions in international sport’, are also intended to strengthen WADA and, as a result, the global anti-doping system. “At this crucial time for clean sport, WADA is encouraged by this support and looks forward to continuing to work with its partners in leading the fight for the protection of clean athletes’ rights,” said WADA Director General, Olivier Niggli.

Whilst WADA did not participate in the Summit, the Agency was informed in advance that it would be held and embraced the initiative as it does all constructive proposals.

As previously announced, WADA will hold the first in a series of multi-stakeholder Think Tank meetings on 20 September 2016, the day before its traditional Executive Committee meeting. The NADO proposals will be on the Agenda of both meetings along with other matters. In addition to these meetings, WADA will continue to collect the views of its other stakeholders regarding the ways and means to further strengthen WADA and the global anti-doping system.

On 19 and 20 November respectively, all proposals and ideas will be reviewed by the Agency’s Executive Committee and Foundation Board – both that are composed equally by representatives of government and the Olympic Movement, including athletes. Following the meetings, a roadmap will be drawn up that will set the direction for the future of the anti-doping movement.