Zambia Participates in 10th Conference of Parties to the Anti-Doping Convention in Paris
Zambia is participating in the 10th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP10) to the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sport, taking place in Paris from 20th to 23rd October 2025.
The Zambian delegation is led by Honourable Elvis Nkandu, Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, with the Permanent Secretary, Mr Kangwa Chileshe, representing the country during the opening sessions. Mr Chileshe, who served as Chairperson of the UNESCO Convention’s Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG), is expected to present the Group’s report to COP10.
The report outlines key recommendations to strengthen the Convention’s implementation as it marks its 20th anniversary. Among its major proposals is the introduction of a mandatory funding mechanism with an opt-out clause to ensure financial predictability and fairness, enabling the Convention and its Fund to function more effectively. It also calls for increased budgetary allocations within UNESCO to support the Convention’s long-term sustainability.
On the sidelines of the Conference, the Zambian delegation is expected to engage in bilateral discussions with other States Parties to reinforce global efforts to eliminate doping in sport.
A Pre-COP10 Forum, held on 17th October, explored emerging challenges and forward-looking initiatives, including the rule of law, social science research, and traditional pharmacopoeia in sport.
The Zambian delegation also includes Mr Raphael Mulenga, Director of the National Heroes Stadium and Africa’s representative on the UNESCO Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport, and Mr Kandai Chilongo, Assistant Director of Sport and Anti-Doping Zambia Representative.
COP10 brings together States Parties, UNESCO Member States, and international stakeholders to reflect on two decades of progress in promoting fairness, ethics, and integrity in sport. The session serves as a strategic platform for intergovernmental dialogue and decision-making to address emerging challenges in sport governance and integrity.
This was contained in a statement issued by Ms Naomi Mweemba, First Secretary (Press) at the Embassy of Zambia in Paris.
