WADA President Witold Bańka honored as European Young Leader of 2022

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President Witold Bańka was honored today as one of 40 European Young Leaders of 2022 by Friends of Europe, a think tank for a more inclusive, sustainable and forward-looking Europe.

Established in 2012 with the support of the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) of the European Commission, this prestigious program connects rising stars and young change-makers throughout Europe to build bonds across nationalities, occupations, and political and ideological viewpoints. Its aim is to build a new generation of leaders able to inspire action and generate change.

WADA President Witold Bańka said: “I am pleased to be named to the European Young Leaders cohort of 2022, which includes influential and talented individuals from across Europe. As we continue to face so many challenges in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and many other global issues, I look forward to meeting my fellow European Young Leaders in the months ahead to exchange ideas that can be of benefit not only to Europe but the entire world.”

The EYL cohort of 2022 represents the future of European leadership, with honorees coming from countries across the continent and representing a broad cross-section of backgrounds and occupations, including politicians, doctors, actresses, scholars, entrepreneurs, activists and innovators.

Friends of Europe Co-Founder and Secretary General Geert Cami said:  “This year marks the 10th anniversary of the EYL40 program; and, we are delighted to announce an extraordinary class of true trailblazers and ambassadors of European leadership. We look forward to welcoming and working with this new cohort of young leaders in our mission to catalyze change and tackle key challenges of the 21st century, from green and digital transformation to strengthening our democracy.”

The WADA President joins an EYL network (EYL40) of over 300 people that uses its collective power to help facilitate change in areas such as constructive politics, women in leadership roles, and Europe’s Green transition, among many others.

For the full list of the EYL cohort of 2022, click here. For more information on the European Young Leaders program, follow them on Twitter.

ABOUT FRIENDS OF EUROPE

Friends of Europe is a Brussels-based, not-for-profit think tank for European Union policy analysis and debate. Established in 1999, the organization has no political or national allegiance. Its declared goal is to foster open discussion and to stimulate new thinking on the issues facing Europe and its citizens.

The board of trustees for Friends of Europe is composed of nearly 80 distinguished individuals who hold, or have held, positions of responsibility in European affairs. Its president is Etienne Davignon, a former vice-president of the European Commission. Other board members include: Javier Solana, Herman Van Rompuy, Hans-Gert Pöttering, Federica Mogherini, Pat Cox, Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, and Jean-Claude Juncker.