BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:unctad.org BEGIN:VEVENT UID:6adbaba20d342 DTSTART:20250313T130000Z SEQUENCE:0 TRANSP:OPAQUE DTEND:20250313T140000Z LOCATION:\, SUMMARY:Celebration of World Consumer Rights Day: Webinar on 40 years of th e UN Guidelines for Consumer Protection CLASS:PUBLIC DESCRIPTION:Marking the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Guidelin es for Consumer Protection by the UN General Assembly\, this session will reflect on their enduring impact in shaping consumer policies worldwide. E xperts and policymakers will discuss how the Guidelines have guided countr ies in fostering fair\, inclusive\, and sustainable consumer protection fr ameworks. The session will explore emerging challenges\, including digita l transformation\, environmental sustainability\, and consumer vulnerabili ties\, and highlight best practices for ensuring consumer rights remain at the heart of economic policies. Join us to examine the future of consume r protection in an evolving global marketplace and reaffirm the Guidelines ’ role in advancing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.This event i s part of Consumers International Sustainable Lifestyles Summit 2025\, 10- 14 March 2024. The Summit will bring together leaders for joint commitment s\, insights and collaboration to help meet global goals and support us al l to live sustainably.Background:Consumer protection is a fundamental pill ar of sustainable and fair markets\, ensuring that consumers are empowered \, informed\, and safeguarded from unfair practices. The United Nations Gu idelines for Consumer Protection (UNGCP)\, adopted in 1985 and revised in 1999 and 2015\, serve as a global blueprint for countries in developing an d strengthening consumer protection laws and policies. UNCTAD\, as the foc al point for consumer protection within the UN system\, plays a key role i n promoting the implementation of these guidelines\, supporting countries in designing and implementing effective consumer policies.As the world fac es new challenges—digital transformation\, climate change\, and socio-ec onomic inequalities—consumer protection policies must evolve to ensure i nclusivity and sustainability. This event marks 40 years of the UNGCP\, pr oviding a platform to reflect on progress\, identify gaps\, and discuss th e way forward in aligning consumer protection with sustainable development goals.Purpose of the event:The event will take stock of the impact of the UN Guidelines for Consumer Protection and explore ways to enhance their i mplementation in a rapidly changing global landscape.Key focus areas:Asses sing the impact of UNGCP on national consumer policies over the past 40 ye arsIdentifying gaps and opportunities to strengthen consumer protection fr ameworksExploring the link between consumer protection\, sustainable consu mption\, and inclusive economic growthTarget audience:Government officials and policymakersConsumer protection authorities and regulatorsAcademia an d researchers in consumer law and policyCivil society organizations and co nsumer advocacy groupsPrivate sector representatives engaged in fair busin ess practicesExpected Outcomes:By the end of the session\, participants wi ll:Gain a deeper understanding of the role and relevance of the UN Guideli nes in shaping consumer policiesRecognize the importance of consumer prote ction in promoting sustainable consumption and fair market practicesIdenti fy best practices and challenges in the implementation of UNGCP at nationa l and regional levelsFoster collaboration and knowledge exchange among con sumer protection stakeholdersSpeakers:Carla Barata\, Director General for Consumer Protection\, PortugalEunice Phiri Hamavhwa\, Acting Executive Dir ector\, Competition and Consumer Protection Commission\, ZambiaCarmen Ligi a Valderrama\, Professor\, Externado UniversityShirish Deshpande\, Chairma n\, MGP-IndiaLaura Best\, Oxford Universityhttps://www.consumersinternatio nal.org/news-resources/news/releases/world-consumer-rights-day-2025-a-just -transition-to-sustainable-lifestyles\n\nView meeting on unctad.org\nhttps ://unctad.org/meeting/celebration-world-consumer-rights-day-webinar-40-yea rs-un-guidelines-consumer-protection DTSTAMP:20261023T184658Z END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR