Synopsis:Consumers must be empowered to play their transformative role in markets. Responsible purchasing decisions that consider the environmental and social impacts of products lead to sustainable consumption and development. By encouraging practices like recycling and waste reduction, supporting ethical and eco-friendly products, and fighting misleading practices such as greenwashing, consumer protection efforts can play a significant role in advancing broader sustainability goals.

This session focuses on policymakers’ crucial role in promoting such practices. It provides a platform for policymakers to share experiences, strategies and best practices in integrating sustainability into consumer protection policies. Discussions will revolve around raising consumer awareness, incentivizing sustainable choices, and fostering collaboration with businesses and civil society. The session aims to inspire policymakers to develop effective strategies and policies that address economic, social and environmental aspects, and to formulate recommendations for a sustainable future. Policymakers will discuss the challenges they face, and the policies and strategies employed to overcome those challenges.

This session will serve as a platform for member States to share their progress, case studies and best practices, and the challenges encountered in developing and strengthening frameworks for consumer protection policies aimed at promoting sustainability and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Synopsis: Legal frameworks for consumer protection are essential to creating a fair and balanced marketplace where consumers can make informed choices, businesses can compete fairly, and disputes can be resolved efficiently. They provide a crucial framework that supports consumer empowerment, economic growth, and sustainable development.

This session will examine the legal aspects of consumer protection, and assess the effectiveness of existing laws and regulations. It will explore strategies to enhance consumer protection frameworks, including reviewing and updating legislation, improving enforcement mechanisms, and fostering collaboration among regulatory agencies. Discussions will focus on challenges and opportunities in adapting legal frameworks, so as to address emerging issues and ensure robust consumer protection in an evolving marketplace.

At this session, member States will showcase their progress, case studies, best practices, and challenges encountered in developing comprehensive legal frameworks for consumer protection.

Synopsis:Improving access to redress is essential for empowering consumers and ensuring a fair marketplace. It provides consumers with an efficient and viable means to address complaints, seek remedies, and obtain a sense of justice. By fostering trust and accountability, enhanced access to redress promotes consumer confidence and a level playing field for businesses.

This session focuses on empowering consumers by improving their access to effective redress and dispute resolution mechanisms. It will explore strategies for handling consumer complaints and ensuring transparency, fairness and efficiency in the resolution process. Discussions will cover the role of authorities in facilitating access to justice, emphasizing the significance of providing consumers with accessible and efficient avenues to seek redress, and fostering their confidence in the marketplace while safeguarding their rights. Participants will also share best practices on improving the transparency and effectiveness of complaint-handling processes, promoting fair settlements, and facilitating cross-border dispute resolution.

Member States will showcase their progress, case studies, best practices in developing and reinforcing comprehensive legal frameworks that empower consumers by improving their access to redress and complaint resolution. The discussions will highlight successful initiatives that have effectively addressed consumer complaints and provided efficient procedures for resolution.

Synopsis: The consumer landscape has undergone a substantial transformation owing to the rapid expansion of global trade, e-commerce, and digital platforms. While these advancements have undoubtedly provided consumers with various advantages and conveniences, they have also given rise to novel challenges and risks. The growing complexity of products and services has resulted in issues such as information imbalance, unfair contract terms, and obstacles in dispute resolution, all posing challenges to consumers.

This session will focus on addressing the unique challenges and risks faced by consumers in the digital realm, and the policies and strategies employed to overcome them. Discussions will cover topics such as information and education, data privacy, online security, the responsibility of online businesses, product safety, and enforcement against digital fraud and dark commercial patterns. Expert presentations will provide insights into emerging threats and effective strategies.

Member States and policymakers will have the opportunity to discuss developments, share experiences, exchange best practices, and strategies for enhancing digital consumer protection in their respective countries.