Advancing consumer information and consumer protection in alignment with multilateral environmental agreements though a synergistic partnership between UNEP and UNCTAD

In an era where environmental consciousness is not just a choice but a necessity, understanding the implications of major environmental agreements becomes crucial for consumer protection authorities, who are eager to empower consumers in transitioning to an environmentally sustainable economy. At the same time, it is important that consumer protection tools such as education and information, business guidance, dispute resolution and redress and enforcement are used to contribute to the attainment of environmental agreements’ goals.

This project aims at increasing the impact of three bodies of pivotal Multilateral Environmental Agreements - the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Convention, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change - on consumers' lives and their broader implications for various interested parties. 

The project will explore the ways in which consumer protection initiatives (regulations, education and information campaigns, dispute resolution and redress mechanism, enforcement, and international cooperation) can support these bodies in the implementation of their respective treaties.

This project aims to:

• Promote the 10YFP Consumer Information Programme by encouraging the adoption of consumer sustainability guidelines on a local, regional, and global scale. These guidelines, crafted by the 10YFP Consumer Information Programme, offer practical tools, including regulatory insights, to help shift towards a circular economy. They also aid in implementing Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) targeting climate, pollution, and biodiversity issues.
• Map and reveal the impact that these selected MEAs have on consumers lives and their implications for all interested stakeholders: consumer protection governmental authorities, consumer groups, businesses, and academia.
• Explore the ways in which consumer protection initiatives (regulations, education and information campaigns, dispute resolution and redress mechanism, enforcement, and international cooperation) can support the full implementation of these treaties.
• Identify the conditions and milestones for comprehensive consumer information to be included in a label that covers climate, nature, and pollution topics. This could eventually lead to the creation of consumer product labels focused on sustainability.
   

UNCTAD is the co-lead of the Consumer Information for Sustainable Consumption and Production Programme within the One Planet Network (10YFP), along with  the Federal Ministry for the Environment Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection of Germany and Consumers International. 

The programme is hosted in the United Nations Environment Programme and focuses on implementing and supporting projects, conducting research, advocating for policies, and facilitating collaboration opportunities for individuals and organizations interested in promoting sustainable consumption practices among consumers.

• Events & meetings