WAS at ICFP 2025 CSE Pre-Conference
- WAS Digital
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
PRESS RELEASE
[Bogotá, Colombia] - Global leaders unite in Bogotá to defend Comprehensive Sexuality Education and advance sexual health, rights, and justice.
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4 November 2025
The World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) participated in the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP 2025) in Bogotá, Colombia, as a leading global voice for sexual health, rights, and justice.
As one of the world’s largest and most influential convenings on family planning and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), ICFP 2025 brought together more than 5,000 leaders, advocates, and innovators to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and advance the global SRHR agenda.
During the week, WAS joined partners at two key events — the Pre-Conference on Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and the World Sexual Health Assembly (WSHA) Leadership Dinner, held in collaboration with Rutgers — both designed to mobilize collective action around the principles of the Porto Proclamation on Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice.
WAS at ICFP 2025 CSE Pre-Conference: Strengthening Transnational Solidarity for CSE
Held on 2 November, the pre-conference “Strengthening Transnational Solidarity for the Promotion of CSE” brought together policymakers, educators, and youth advocates to address the global backlash against sexuality education and share strategies to advance inclusive, evidence-based, and rights-affirming CSE.
Opening remarks featured Dr. Álvaro Bermejo (Director-General, IPPF), Ms. Julia Bunting (Director, Programme Division, UNFPA), and a representative from Global Affairs Canada, alongside youth keynote speaker Juan Mocaleano, Vice-President of the Youth Subcommittee and Board Member of Profamilia, Colombia.
An interactive program of “lightning talks” showcased innovative CSE initiatives — from digital learning tools to community-based approaches — followed by a large-group dialogue exploring regional priorities for action.
The session closed with a Call to Action, facilitated by Esther Corona Vargas, WAS Vice-President, together with Celena Rodallega, adolescent advocate from Cauca and member of Profamilia’s RedJoven network. Participants will be invited to endorse the Porto Proclamation on Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice, which identifies Comprehensive Sexuality Education as one of ten global priorities for 2025–2030.
WSHA Leadership Dinner: Advancing the Porto Proclamation
Immediately following the CSE Pre-Conference, WAS — in collaboration with Rutgers — hosted a World Sexual Health Assembly (WSHA) Leadership Dinner, convening global decision-makers, donors, and advocates to accelerate implementation of the Porto Proclamation on Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice.
Adopted in Porto, Portugal, in 2025, the Proclamation represents a shared commitment by organizations and leaders from across regions and sectors to defend sexual health as integral to health, affirm sexual rights as human rights, and advance sexual justice as essential to equality and dignity.
The Leadership Dinner spotlighted how these commitments are being translated into concrete action — through education, advocacy, and professional collaboration — and invited new organizations to join as signatories and partners.
Dr. Faysal El Kak, President of WAS and Chair of the WSHA, emphasized:
“In moments of division, solidarity becomes an act of courage. The Porto Proclamation unites us around a shared vision — where sexual health, rights, and justice are lived realities for all.”
Next Steps: Endorse and Support the Porto Proclamation
A detailed plan of action is being developed to guide the implementation of the Proclamation’s priorities. Signatories will also convene in annual meetings of the World Sexual Health Assembly (WSHA) to ensure accountability and sustained progress.
WAS invites all professionals, organizations, institutions, and individuals working in sexual health and rights to endorse the Porto Proclamation on Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice by sharing it within their networks. Aligning with this mission helps amplify a collective global call for equality, inclusion, dignity, and justice across regions and communities.
Carry the Momentum Forward: Become a Founding Donor
You can help transform this shared vision into sustained global impact.
By pledging as little as US $100 (payable by the end of 2025), your name will be recognized among the Founding Donors — a group of visionary leaders standing with WAS to advance the future of sexual health, rights, and justice.
To make your contribution or learn more, contact exec@worldsexualhealth.net.
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About WAS
Founded in 1978, the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) is the global confederation of professional organizations, academics, clinicians, educators, and advocates dedicated to advancing sexual health and rights for all.
Through six regional federations and more than 80 member organizations, WAS works in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) and as an implementing partner with UNFPA, promoting sexual health as a fundamental human right. ____________________________
Media Queries
Dr. René de Klerk, WAS Executive Director
Email: exec@worldsexualhealth.net
Lisa Welsh, WAS Communications Lead.
Email: media@worldsexualhealth.net