United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural OrganizationUNESCO shared lessons learned from many countries on sexuality education at the 4th biennial International Sex and Relationships Education Conference (7-9 September 2009 in Birmingham, United Kingdom).
The aim of the conference was to enable researchers and practitioners to share and discuss their work and ideas on sex and relationships education. This is in line with UNESCO’s thematic focus on sexuality education.
Specific themes discussed included modes of delivery and teacher training, the role of parents, sex and relationships education for vulnerable groups, lifelong learning, faith and culture.
UNESCO gave a presentation at the conference entitled “What does comprehensive sex and relationships education mean? Developing a basic minimum package for primary and secondary schools”
In addition, UNESCO sponsored six presentations on global examples of countries that have overcome barriers to the introduction of national sexuality education programmes in schools. The countries were: China, Croatia, Kenya, Nigeria and Viet Nam along with a joint case study for Jamaica and Mexico in the Latin America and the Caribbean region.
UNESCO distributed brochures and CD-Roms at the conference and a copy of the draft International Guidelines for Sexuality Education was on display.
An inter-faith forum to consider various approaches and explore some of the barriers to more effective work on sex and relationships education was held during the event.