Adaptation of Global Standards of Comprehensive Sexuality Education in China: Characteristics, Discussions, and Expectations

Abstract

This is a project report to introduce the Comprehensive Sexuality Education Technical Guideline—Adaptation of Global Standards for Potential Use in China (First Edition) (hereafter referred to as the Guideline) as the first adaptation of the International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education (ITGSE) in China. The project was supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) from 2018 to 2022. The development process included rounds of participatory consultation, validation, and revisions led by the project team and a group of technical advisers from diverse backgrounds. The Guideline is developed to respond to the increasing demands of a technical tool integrating international standards and local context that can be used by all comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) stakeholders in China. While keeping the structure of the ITGSE, the Guideline made modifications and additions in light of the up-to-date Chinese policies, laws, and relevant national programs, as well as Chinese culture and social norms. It is expected that the Guideline could be widely acknowledged, distributed, and used to inform and support the future development of CSE in China.