On April 2nd, from 13:15 to 14:45 CET, the online side event “Implementing Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Strategies for Success and Sustainable Impact” will be held. Organized by Catesco and L’Associació de Drets Sexuals i Reproductius, in collaboration with UNESCO, FÓS Feminista, and WEFC, this event is part of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (RFSD).
EThe Regional Forums on Sustainable Development, convened annually in the five world regions by their respective UN Regional Commissions, serve as key platforms for political dialogue, knowledge exchange, and peer learning on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Aligned with the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), these forums provide a space for governments, civil society, youth, academia, and other stakeholders to discuss political actions, share practical solutions, and address challenges.
The 2025 UNECE Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (RFSD) will take place on April 2nd and 3rd, preceding the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in July. In this context, the UNECE RFSD will offer an in-depth review of the SDGs under assessment at the HLPF 2025: SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Side Event: Implementing Comprehensive Sexuality Education – Strategies for Success and Sustainable Impact (SDG 3 & SDG 5)
Despite progress in human rights and gender equality, the right to comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) remains unfulfilled in many countries due to sociocultural and political barriers that hinder its implementation. In response to this reality, this event aims to position CSE as a fundamental pillar of education and an essential tool for promoting health, gender equality, and the development of healthy and respectful relationships.
To achieve this goal, the event will bring together two leading international organizations, UNESCO and FÓS Feminista, to share their expertise and insights on CSE, examine its framework for action, and identify key obstacles to its implementation, such as political resistance, lack of educational resources, or insufficient teacher training.
In the second part of the event, successful local experiences from Catalonia, Mexico, and Pakistan will be presented, highlighting innovative initiatives that have managed to establish themselves despite existing challenges, serving as models for other contexts.
This side event is especially aimed at civil society organizations, professionals, and policymakers interested in advancing CSE and promoting its fundamental role in health, gender equality, and the creation of more inclusive and equitable societies.
REGISTRATION FORM
PROGRAM (April 2nd, 2025, 13:15 – 14:45 CET)
13:15 | Welcome remarks
- Marina Gay, Director of CATESCO
- Gabriel Boichat, Delegate of the Government of Catalonia in Switzerland
13:25 | Keynote Presentations: Decoding Comprehensive Sexuality Education . A Pillar for Health, Gender Equality, and Respectful Relationships
- Kathleen Chau, Comprehensive Sexuality Education Program Specialist, UNESCO
- Susana Medina, Program Lead, FÒS Feminista
13:55 | Inspiring Experiences from Catalonia and Beyond: CSE in Practice
- Jordi Baroja, L’Associació de Drets Sexuals i Reproductius: CSE in the mandatory education curriculum
- Sheena Hadi, Aahung (Pakistan)
- (Name to be confirmed) Escoltes Catalans: CSE in non-formal education through the scouting movement
14:40 | Final remarks
Sílvia Aldavert García, Director of L’Associació de Drets Sexuals i Reproductius
This event is held in collaboration with the Generalitat of Catalonia
NOTA: The session will be conducted in Catalan and English, with simultaneous translation available..
Webinar: 2 abril de 13.15 a 14.45h. via zoom