Thank You for Being Part of WAS 2025

Reflections, highlights, and what's next

View this email in your browser Dear WAS Members and Friends, The 27th Congress of the World Association for Sexual Health took place last month—and what a Congress it was. Over four days, delegates from around the world came together to share research, exchange ideas, and strengthen our collective movement for sexual health, rights, justice, and pleasure for all. Thank you for being part of this landmark moment in our shared journey.   Congress Photo Folder Now Available A collage of moments from #WAS2025 We've gathered a wide selection of images capturing the people, sessions, and spirit of #WAS2025. If you'd like to contribute your own photos, we'd love to include them! Please email them to: media@worldsexualhealth.net As you share highlights on social media, don't forget to tag WAS and use #WAS2025 so we can continue celebrating this incredible community. Instagram: @wasworldsexualhealth Facebook: WAS.org LinkedIn: World Association for Sexual Health  Please note: Care has been taken to share images respectfully and with discretion. Posters at the Congress venue noted that photos and videos would be taken throughout the event. However, if you appear in a photo and would prefer it not be shared publicly, please don't hesitate to contact us at media@worldsexualhealth.net and we will remove it promptly. A note about speaker slides: We are currently gathering presentation slides from speakers who have approved them for sharing. These will be made available soon.   Click here to access the photo folder Congress Highlights Keynote: Sexology Under Threat WAS Past President Eli Coleman opened Tuesday's keynote block with a powerful reflection on the historical and ongoing backlash against sexology. His session reminded us that, even in difficult times, this field has always found ways to survive - and thrive. Click above to watch a short video from Eli Coleman, as he reflects on his session and the continuing relevance of our work.   WAS–WHO Symposium: SHAPE Findings A standout session chaired by WAS Past President, Pedro Nobre, the SHAPE Symposium presented results from WHO's Sexual Health Assessment of Practices and Experiences initiative. Presenters included: Lianne Gonsalves (WHO) Pedro Nobre (Portugal) Jessie Ford (USA) Eli Coleman (USA) Eusebio Rubio-Aurioles (Mexico) Together, they made a compelling case for a World Observatory on Sexual Health, urging continued collaboration on data-driven policy and practice.   Click above to hear Pedro Nobre explain how you can get involved with SHAPE. Sexual Justice Declaration The formal adoption of the WAS Declaration on Sexual Justice on 18 June was a defining moment of the Congress. This milestone followed two days of collective engagement: On 16 June, the Sexual Justice Symposium brought together speakers from Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the MENA region to examine systemic injustice across healthcare, law, education, and daily life. On 17 June, a community consultation invited broad input to ensure the Declaration reflects both global realities and shared values. In a closing message, Alain Giami and Esther Corona-Vargas offered reflections on the six-year process that shaped this landmark document - developed with extensive collaboration across disciplines and regions.   Click above to hear Alain Giami and Esther Corona-Vargas reflect on the Declaration and how it can be used as a tool for advancing sexual justice worldwide. WAS 2027 is coming to Cape Town The 28th Congress of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2027 - a long-awaited moment after the 2021 Congress, originally planned for Cape Town, was moved online due to the global pandemic. We're excited to finally bring the global WAS community to this vibrant, historic city for an in-person gathering that builds on years of resilience, innovation, and connection. Stay tuned - more details will be shared soon.   Announcement of our new Advisory Committee In case you missed it, the announcement of our new Advisory Committee and leadership team was shared in the previous newsletter.   Click here to read the announcement Thank You, Brisbane Queensland's energizing capital city feels like a warm welcome home from your first visit. A place to relax, recharge, and get outdoors, Brisbane's refreshingly laid-back approach to city living makes soaking up culture, connecting with community, and tasting nightlife feel like a true holiday. From early morning bike rides and weekend farmers markets, to sundowners and kayak adventures, life revolves around the river, year-round. Off it, you'll find Brisbane's unique creative streak – where you're invited to the chef's table, local haunts are yours to explore, live music thrives every night of the week, South Bank's world-class galleries are free to wander, and hidden laneways reveal treasures of all kinds. A youthful urban center punctuated by sprawling green space and surrounded by timeless nature – adventures abound from epic islands and national parks to World Heritage subtropical rainforest. Nothing's too serious here, but it's seriously good.  Thanks to our destination partners for their generous support. World Sexual Health Day is Coming - 4 September 2025 We're now turning our focus toward World Sexual Health Day (WSHD) - a global call to action celebrated every year on September 4th. Since 2010, WSHD has been an opportunity to bring the global community together to promote sexual health, rights, justice, and pleasure for all. This year's theme is: Sexual Justice: What Can We Do? #WSHD2025 will spotlight four key focus areas: Sexual Rights - ensuring freedom from discrimination, stigma, and shame Sexual and Reproductive Rights - protecting bodily autonomy and choice LGBTQ+ Adolescents - affirming the rights and dignity of gender-diverse youth Access to Information - guaranteeing access to accurate, evidence-based education The official WSHD info pack will be available soon. We invite all member organizations and allies to join the movement and begin planning their WSHD activities.   But, we're not done celebrating just yet. In the coming weeks, we'll be sharing more about the 2025 WAS Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Sexuality Education and the WAS Scientific Awards - recognizing the outstanding individuals and initiatives advancing our field. Keep an eye on your inbox and social media for the full announcement.  Thank you once again for your presence, participation, and continued commitment to our shared mission. We look forward to continuing this work with you - within our communities and across the globe. The World Association for Sexual Health   Thank you to our sponsors for #WAS2025 Major Sponsors   Silver Sponsor   Supporters Not on our mailing list yet? Sign up here! Click here to visit the WAS website Support the Mission of WAS We invite you to support the ongoing work of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS). Your contributions help us continue our mission of promoting Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice globally. Consider becoming a supporting member or making a financial contribution today. Donations are tax-deductible in the USA. Donate Here Copyright © 2025 World Association for Sexual Health (WAS), All rights reserved. You are receiving this newsletter because you have previously expressed interest in our content by opting in on our website or through participation in one of our online events, such as our monthly webinars. We're committed to keeping you informed with the latest updates and insights. Our mailing address is: World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) 1300 South 2nd Street Suite 180 West Bank Office Building Minneapolis, Minnesota 55454 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.