On 7 October, the Asian Population and Development Association (APDA) held the “Asian Parliamentarians’ Conference on Education for Life, Safety, and Human Dignity” in Tokyo, in collaboration with the Plan International Japan (PIJ) and with the support of the Japan Parliamentarians Federation for Population (JPFP) Project Team (PT) and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). The opening session, chaired by Hon. Horiuchi Noriko, MP Japan and Acting Chair of the JPFP Project Team (PT) on Life Safety Education (LSE), featured welcoming remarks from APDA Chair, Hon. Prof. Takemi Keizo. He emphasized leveraging parliamentary networks to address common issues such as human rights and gender equality, and to promote youth well-being and human capital development. Hon. Kamikawa Yoko, Chair of JPFP and Chair of AFPPD, delivered the keynote speech, outlining her efforts in legislative reforms and strengthened protection systems in Japan and highlighting the significance of LSE, which empowers children to protect their own minds and bodies.

In Session 1: Special Lecture – Japan’s Current Situation and Key Challenges, Dr. Song Mihyon, Chair/Doctor of Marunouchi no Mori Ladies Clinic, presented an overview of Japan’s current situation and challenges from a medical perspective. Comments were provided by Hon. Miyaji Takuma, MP Japan and State Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Hon. Terata Shizuka, MP Japan and Director of JPFP. In Session 2: Case Studies – Part I: Educational Approaches in East and Southeast Asia, experiences from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and other Asian countries were shared. Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) promotes LSE, fostering respect for self and others at each developmental stage, aiming to prevent sexual crimes and violence. South Korea’s LALA Institute for Sexual Culture Research introduced materials to prevent digital sexual violence, while the Taiwan Gender Equity Education Association (TGEEA) highlighted how comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is integrated across all subjects. Ms. Magdalena Nadya from IPPF East & Southeast Asia and Oceania Region (ESEAOR) provided an overview of the region and five key recommendations for implementing CSE including national standards, teacher training, and the use of digital resources.

In Session 3: Country Case Reports – Part II: Legislative and Policy Practices, representatives from the Philippines, Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia presented their countries’ approaches. In the Philippines, the “Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RH) Law” mandates age and development-appropriate RH and sexuality education, though regional disparities and misinformation remain challenges. Hon. Makishima Karen, MP Japan and Vice Chair of JPFP, discussed digital risks for young people and responses in Japan. Thailand implements integrated policies, covering adolescent pregnancy prevention, abortion, CSE, and LGBTQ rights, while Indonesia promotes nationwide adolescent RH education (ARH). Session 4: Next Steps; Strategies for Institutional Design, Public Understanding and International Cooperation was chaired by Hon. Makihara Hideki, former Minister of Justice. Discussions explored initiatives in New Zealand, Cambodia, Australia, and Japan. Hon. Catherine Wedd, MP New Zealand stressed legal measures to protect children from online abuse and cyberbullying. Mr. Stuart Watts, Minister (Political) at the Australian Embassy in Japan, introduced the Social Media Age Restriction Act (SMMA), which protects children under 16 from harmful online content and excessive use. Cambodia shared post-conflict efforts to introduce CSE curricula nationwide, utilizing digital resources, youth apps, and NGO partnerships. Finally, PIJ highlighted gaps in youth information access in Japan and its “SRHR for JAPAN” campaign.

At the closing session, Hon. Yos Phanita, Senator Cambodia, and Hon. Abe Toshiko, Chair of the JPFP PT on LSE (Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) delivered remarks. The event gathered approximately 60 participants from over 10 countries and regions, including online attendees. The conference provided a valuable opportunity to share best practices and lessons learned regarding the legislative frameworks and educational approaches for LSE and similar initiatives across Asia.