Enhancing the Consumer Movement: Means to Facilitate the Development of Independent Consumer Groups

The second day of the 8th session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Consumer Protection Law and Policy commenced on July 2, 2024, with a focus on the theme "Enhancing the Consumer Movement: Strategies for Developing Independent Consumer Groups." The discussions emphasised the critical importance of empowering consumer organisations through robust legal frameworks, fostering their independence, and enhancing collaboration with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders. These efforts aim to promote fair market practices and protect consumer rights on a global scale.
 

The key takeaway points were:

• Independence and Funding Challenges: Participants emphasised the crucial role of independence for consumer organisations, highlighting challenges arising from over-reliance on government support or inadequate funding models. This independence is essential for effective advocacy and representation of consumer interests.
• Legal Frameworks and Support Structures: Several speakers underscored the importance of robust legal frameworks and support structures. This includes legal recognition, clear regulatory frameworks, and financial mechanisms that enable consumer organisations to operate effectively without undue influence.
• Collaboration with Government Bodies: Effective collaboration between consumer organisations and government bodies was highlighted as key to comprehensive consumer protection. This collaboration involves sharing information, joint projects, and ensuring that consumer voices are heard in policy development and enforcement.
• Role in Policy Development: Consumer organisations play a crucial role in policy development by providing valuable insights, conducting research, and advocating for consumer-friendly legislation. This role ensures that consumer perspectives are integrated into regulatory processes effectively.
• Challenges and Solutions: Challenges such as funding constraints, unequal representation, and resource limitations were acknowledged. Participants stressed the need for innovative funding models, stronger legislative support, and capacity-building initiatives to address these challenges effectively.

On day 2 of the 8th Session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Consumer Protection Law and Policy, UNCTAD conducted a session reviewing capacity-building and technical assistance in consumer protection. Participants underscored the pivotal role of forums like COMPAL and The Arab Consumer Protection Forum in advancing policies through collaboration, adaptability, and inclusive frameworks. These platforms facilitate knowledge sharing and enhance regional consumer protection, addressing diverse socio-economic contexts and crises. Discussions focused on sustainable policies, cross-border law harmonisation, and education, aiming to promote regional cooperation and empower consumers with informed decision-making for global sustainability. The key takeaway points were as follows..
 


The key takeaway points were:

• Strengthening Consumer Protection in Developing Countries: UNCTAD enhances consumer protection laws in developing nations through capacity building and technical assistance, promoting sustainable trade practices crucial for economic development. In 2023, UNCTAD responded to 11 technical cooperation requests, organised 29 events globally, and provided advisory services, facilitating multi-stakeholder collaborations to strengthen consumer rights frameworks.
• Global Outreach and Collaboration: Through events, UNCTAD shares vital consumer protection insights and hosts webinars, fostering global awareness and cooperation. UNCTAD collaborates with Latin America and the UN Environment Programme, enhancing digital trading infrastructure to align consumer protection efforts with environmental sustainability goals.
• Promoting International Cooperation: Forums like COMPAL serve as critical platforms for countries to exchange consumer protection strategies, promoting effective policies and international cooperation. Addressing cross-border conflict resolution and consumer association roles, COMPAL culminates in a draft declaration to fortify global consumer protection measures.
• Future Challenges and Strategic Adaptation: With a focus on digital economy complexities and global market dynamics, UNCTAD adapts future COMPAL forums to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness through enhanced international collaboration. UNCTAD collaborates globally with stakeholders to navigate digital trade complexities, manage inflation impacts, and promote sustainable consumption practices, aligning efforts with the SDGs for collective well-being and rights fulfilment.
• Strategic Partnership for Environmental Sustainability: Co-led by UNCTAD and UNEP, the initiative integrates consumer information with sustainability goals, empowering sustainable transitions and supporting global environmental commitments aligned with MEAs and the SDGs. This partnership focuses on translating environmental rights into consumer policies, developing sector-specific sustainability guidelines, and piloting initiatives to combat greenwashing and ensure credible environmental claims.
• Future Plans and Milestones: Future plans include ongoing collaboration to strengthen consumer protection policies using MEAs, exploring standardised environmental performance labels, and setting milestones for effective implementation. Leveraging UNCTAD's consumer protection expertise and UNEP's focus on sustainable consumption, the partnership integrates consumer information with MEAs to address environmental sustainability rights and achieve global sustainability goals