Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary, Kangwa Chileshe has emphasized the importance of the country’s participation in the UNESCO Convention Open-Ended Working Group in formulating global anti-doping policies.
He said this after chairing the Second Formal Open Ended Working Group Meeting tasked to explore ways to increase the Convention’s impact, sustainability and effectiveness at UNESCO in Paris, France.
Mr Chileshe said as discussions on Anti-Doping take centre stage worldwide, it is crucial for Zambia to be part of this process to ensure that the country’s perspective is taken into consideration, as Zambia might potentially be affected by anti-doping regulations.
He further noted that Zambia’s inclusion in the working group reflects the confidence that UNESCO and the world have placed on the President of the Republic of Zambia Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, who has established high standards in leadership in the country.
Mr. Chileshe highlighted his role as a Chairperson of a Global Committee in fostering an open and inclusive environment where Member States can freely express their views and to guide discussions without bias.
Meanwhile, Director of National Heroes, UNESCO Fund for Elimination of Doping in Sport Approval Committee Africa Representative and Anti-doping expert Raphael Mulenga stressed the importance of continuous improvement in the implementation of the Anti-Doping Convention.
Mr. Mulenga outlined four domain areas crucial to the Convention’s success such as enhancing contributions to the anti-doping fund, establishing effective mechanisms for dispute resolution, Improving UNESCO’s monitoring system, and harmonizing the work between UNESCO and the World Anti-Doping Agency.
By Chimba Chilopa
