Consumers International Global Congress: UNCTAD side event on enhancing the consumer movement

One objective of the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection is to facilitate the development of independent consumer groups. Consumer associations play an essential role in making the voice of consumers heard in public policy decision-making, improving consumer information and education, defending consumer rights, and monitoring markets.     
 
According to a UNCTAD publication, the issues of governance, human resources and professionalization and funding are key to strengthening consumer associations. While the current global context is testing the resilience of consumer associations, how can Governments facilitate the establishment and development of consumers associations?   

The seventh session of the IGE on consumer protection requested "the UNCTAD secretariat, in accordance with guideline 97 (b), to prepare reports and studies as background documentation for the eighth session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Consumer Protection Law and Policy on the topic of enhancing the consumer movement: means to facilitate the development of independent consumer groups" (see report here).

From 06-08 December 2023 the Consumers International Global Congress will bring together the consumer movement with leading influencers from across business, civil society and academia to tackle pressing global issues and protect consumers worldwide. Held every four years, the Global Congress is a pivotal event for those committed to improving the lives of consumers. In 2023, marketplace actors will come together to understand the lived experience of consumers in and outside of crises and build a resilient future for people and planet.

Please register for this event.

Participants

Panelists:

· Beatrice Gakuba, Founder, AWAN AFRIKA, African Women in Agribusiness, Kenya

· Pablo Rodríguez, Executive Director, FOJUCC Association of Chile

· Damien Ndizeye, Exrectuive Secretary, ADECOR of Rwanda

· Felicia Monye, President Consumer Awareness Organisation of Nigeria

UNCTAD:

· Arnau Izaguerri, Legal Officer, Competition and Consumer Policies