Competition policy in the digital age: maintaining fairness and equality in the market
The Arab Competition Forum was established in 2020 through a strategic partnership between the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA), UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Following six successful editions that laid the groundwork for regional legal frameworks, the seventh edition shifts its focus toward the rapid digital transformation of Arab markets. Hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism of the United Arab Emirates, this forum serves as the premier venue for navigating the complexities of the digital economy.
Purpose of the Event
The Seventh Arab Competition Forum, themed “Competition policy in the digital age: maintaining fairness and equality in the market”, aims to support Arab countries in navigating the complexities of the digital economy by:
- Promoting fair, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth by strengthening the application of competition policy in digital and data-driven markets, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Strengthening regional and international cooperation among competition authorities to address cross-border challenges arising from digital platforms, data concentration, and technology-driven market power.
- Enhancing digital competition policy and enforcement tools, including the use of data, algorithms, and technological solutions, to better detect exclusionary conduct and unfair competitive practices.
- Facilitating the exchange of best practices and policy experiences to ensure fair access, interoperability, and consumer welfare while maintaining competitive neutrality and equality of opportunity.
- Through specialized sessions and expert-led dialogues, the Forum will contribute to fostering a more transparent, contestable, and innovative digital marketplace in the Arab region - ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are shared equitably across all member states.
Target Audience
The event is designed for a wide range of stakeholders including:
- Competition authorities and government agencies from Arab countries
- Legal and economic experts in competition law and policy
- Academics, researchers, and students in relevant fields
- International and regional organizations
Featured Speakers
A distinguished lineup of high-level officials, legal practitioners, and global experts will headline the Forum, including:
- H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, United Arab Emirates
- Rania Al-Mashat, Executive Secretary, UN-ESCWA
- Pedro Manuel Moreno, Acting Secretary-General, UNCTAD
- Benoit Coeure, Chair of the Competition Committee, OECD
- Willard Mwemba, Chief Executive Officer, COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission
Registration
Online registration is mandatory for all those wishing to attend the Forum at: https://indico.un.org/event/1021967/
Format of the meeting
Hybrid (Dubai, United Arab Emirates and online)
Mr. Pedro Manuel Moreno of Spain is the Deputy Secretary-General and Acting Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
He has over 20 years of experience of working for multilateral and intergovernmental organizations in programme, management and strategic positions both in the field and at headquarters.
He was Deputy Secretary-General of the Communication for Development Committee at the Spanish National Commission with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (1999-2004), and for the United Nations Development Programme, at the Country Office in Ecuador and, in New York City, as part of the Human Development Report team, at the Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean and at the Executive Office.
In 2014, he was appointed Chief of Staff of the Ibero-American Conference in Madrid, where he coordinated key political processes and South-South cooperation projects.
In September 2021, he was named Chief of Staff and Director of the Office of the Secretary-General of UNCTAD.
