| Global Leaders Publish the Porto Proclamation on Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice | | | |
[Porto, Portugal] - International leaders commit to advancing equality, inclusion, and dignity for all
17 September 2025 | | | Today, the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) publishes the Porto Proclamation on Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice together with the inaugural list of signatories.
At the first-ever World Sexual Health Assembly in Porto, Portugal, WAS convened global leaders from UN agencies, international and regional organizations, professional societies, and academic and research institutions to address both the progress achieved and the mounting backlash against sexual health and rights worldwide.
The signatories affirm their joint commitment to defend sexual health as integral to health, sexual rights as human rights, and sexual justice as essential for dignity and equality. | | | Delegates of the inaugural World Sexual Health Assembly (WSHA) at the University of Porto. | |
The Porto Proclamation on Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice sets out global priorities for 2025–2030, designed to meet the urgent challenges of our time:
- Defending sexual health and rights against political rollbacks and disinformation
- Promoting universal access to person-centered, rights-based, and pleasure-inclusive services, education, and training
- Confronting stigma, systemic inequalities, and censorship
- Expanding professional training and comprehensive sexuality education
- Strengthening global evidence and research
- Ensuring sustainable and equitable funding for sexual health, rights, and justice
Dr. Faysal El Kak, President of WAS and Chair of the WSHA, emphasized:
"The Porto Proclamation on Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice reflects a collective commitment to act with purpose, unity, and accountability. Together we will position sexual health as a core pillar of public health and human rights."
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A detailed plan of action is being developed to guide implementation of the Proclamation's priorities. Signatories will also convene in annual meetings of the World Sexual Health Assembly 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 by sharing it widely. Aligning with this mission means helping to amplify a collective call for equality, inclusion, dignity, and justice across regions and communities.
| | | Global Reflections Webinar | | |
The conversation continues: "The Porto Proclamation on Sexual Health, Rights and Justice: What Happened in Porto Will Not Stay in Porto"
October 16, 2025 | 16:00 SAST
WAS President Dr. Faysal El Kak and Immediate Past President Dr. Elna Rudolph will open the session with their reflections on the WSHA. They will be joined by additional leaders from across regions (to be confirmed) who will share perspectives on how the Proclamation can shape policy, practice, research, and advocacy in the years ahead.
| | | Founded in 1978, WAS serves as the global confederation of professional organizations, academics, clinicians, educators, and advocates dedicated to Sexual Health and Rights for All. Through six regional federations and more than 80 organizational members, WAS promotes 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 | | 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.
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