Dear WAS Members and Friends,
The 27th Congress of the World Association for Sexual Health opened yesterday in Meanjin/Brisbane with powerful messages, courageous conversations, and a shared sense of responsibility for advancing sexual health, rights, justice, and pleasure for all.
Hosted in association with the 17th Congress of the Asia-Oceania Federation for Sexology (AOFS) and the 6th Sexology in Practice Symposium (SIPS) of the Society of Australian Sexologists (SAS), this landmark gathering brings together hundreds of professionals across regions, disciplines, and identities.
Together we are shaping a global movement where there is "Sexual Health, Rights, Justice and Pleasure for Everyone, Everywhere, Every Time" - true to the theme of the congress. Delegates from every region brought this theme to life
| | The day began with deep reverence and cultural grounding. Aunty Kathryn Fisher offered a moving Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony on behalf of the Turrbal People, with the blessing of Songwoman Maroochy. This spiritual welcome reminded us that every conversation here takes place on sacred ground.
Congress President Armin Ariana welcomed delegates with heartfelt thanks to all who made the Congress possible, noting the importance of honoring both place and people. He was followed by warm words from Lauren Muratore, Chair of the Society of Australian Sexologists, and Professor Rosediani Muhamad, President of AOFS - together reflecting the strong regional partnerships underpinning this global event. | | We then heard a compelling video address from Dr. Pascale Allotey, Director of WHO/HRP, calling for clarity, courage, and commitment in advancing sexual health globally:
"At HRP, we remain focused on our core mandate: to generate evidence, support research, and guide policy through rigorous science. This means shining light on the realities of #sexualhealth—and helping countries act on that knowledge."
From co-produced research like SHAPE to the upcoming WHO guidelines on the health of transgender and gender-diverse people, Dr Allotey underscored the urgency of protecting rights, centering evidence, and ensuring no one is left behind. | | | Photo by Bradley R. Daniels, Chair of the WAS Media Committee | | WAS President, Elna Rudolph then officially opened the Congress with a call to courage, solidarity, and action - acknowledging global injustices while celebrating how far the organisation has come.
She reflected on four years of transformation, strengthened governance, and global leadership - and shared one of the most important announcements of the Congress: the official pre-launch of the World Sexual Health Assembly (WSHA).
Described as "the most ambitious, inclusive, and strategic leadership platform WAS has ever created," the WSHA is a bold movement to align our collective expertise, visibility, and power - to shape global policy, protect our progress, and lead the way forward.
The inaugural World Sexual Health Assembly will be hosted at the University of Porto, Portugal on 5 September 2025, bringing together leaders from every sector and region to co-create the agenda for global sexual health.
"The world needs us now more than ever. It needs science, and it needs courage. It needs justice - and it needs joy. It needs leaders - and it needs community."
We will share more information about the WSHA soon, including ways to get involved.
| | Congress President's Lecture: A Call for Collective Vision | | | | Photo by Bradley R. Daniels, Chair of the WAS Media Committee | |
The Congress President's Panel, led by Armin Ariana, featured a brilliant lineup of speakers representing disability, First Nations, LGBTQIA+, sex worker, CALD, and chronic illness communities. Together, they explored where we've been, where we are, and what's next on the global journey toward equity and inclusion in sexual health.
Panelists included:
Armin Ariana (Australia) – Opened the session with reflections on how sexual health has evolved globally, and why inclusion must be our shared future.
Lauren French (Australia) – Offered an intergenerational lens on First Nations community healing and sexual violence prevention.
Tessa Caramia (Australia) – Reflected on LGBTQIA+ visibility, systemic barriers, and resilience in health policy and care.
Candice Care-Unger (Australia) – Highlighted the urgent need to center people with disabilities in sexual health discourse and service design.
Anita Brown-Major on behalf of Tess Devèze (Australia) – Shared insights into agency, pleasure, and care for people living with chronic illness or terminal diagnoses.
Amy Mullens (Australia) – Explored the intersections of culture, language, and access in CALD communities, with a call for culturally responsive care.
Lauren Muratore (Australia) – Spoke from grounded experience with sex worker communities, challenging stigma and advocating for rights-based approaches.
| | Sexual Justice to Dismantle Barriers | | |
One of the most powerful sessions of the day, this symposium - convened by WAS Vice President Alain Giami and Advisory Committee Member Esther Corona-Vargas - brought together global leaders to explore how structural barriers continue to harm, exclude, and marginalize.
Framed by the evolving Declaration on Sexual Justice, speakers from Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the MENA region shared case studies and visions for justice in education, healthcare, law, and lived experience.
Speakers and topics included:
Alain Giami (France): Why Sexual Justice Is Necessary Now — A foundational reflection on the need for sexual justice in response to systemic SRHR barriers.
Jaime Barrientos (Chile): Sexual Justice from the Perspective of LGBT People in Latin America — Research on stigma, mental health, and resilience.
Uwem Esiet (Nigeria): Reflections on Attaining Sexual Justice in Africa — Exploring frameworks, political will, and norm change.
Yuko Higashi (Japan): Sexual Justice and Genital Modification of Minors — An ethical inquiry into bodily autonomy and minor protection.
Ons Kaabia (Tunisia): Justice & Equity in SRHR in Tunisia — Policy insights and progress from the MENA region.
Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad (Norway): How Can We Navigate Justice in Oceans of Different Needs? — On personal and political meanings of equity.
Zahra Stardust (Australia): Justice Re-Investment — A call for redistributing power and resources to excluded communities.
Esther Corona-Vargas (Mexico): Offered closing reflections, weaving together themes of education, equity, and collective action.
Join the open Sexual Justice Consultation today, June 17 at 4:15 PM, and help shape the future of this global movement.
| | Thank you to our sponsors for #WAS2025 | | |
Thank you to everyone who made this powerful first day possible. We can't wait to continue this journey with you.
The World Association for Sexual Health
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