In 1980, the United Nations adopted the Set of Multilaterally Agreed Equitable Principles and Rules for the Control of Restrictive Business Practices (the UN Set), establishing the first and only internationally agreed framework for competition law and policy. This landmark achievement was designed to ensure that anti-competitive practices do not hinder the benefits of trade liberalization and efficiency in international trade and development, especially for developing countries. The UN Set aims to provide a framework for controlling anti-competitive practices at international, national, and regional levels, eliminate disadvantages caused by those practices of transnational corporations, and protect social welfare and consumer interests around the world.
For over four decades, the UN Set has served as a foundational instrument in shaping global approaches to competition law and policy. It has guided countries, particularly developing ones, in the design, adoption and improvement of their competition laws and policies. UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), as the custodian of the UN Set, has played a central role. Through a combination of technical assistance, voluntary peer reviews, research initiatives, and facilitation of intergovernmental discussions, UNCTAD has supported knowledge-sharing, policy convergence and the strengthening of competition regimes. These efforts have also fostered mutual trust among jurisdictions and international cooperation in competition law enforcement.
Following the UNCTAD's 60th anniversary, 2025 marks the 45th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Set. To commemorate this special year, UNCTAD published a report “The United Nations Set of Principles and Rules on Competition: Implementation after 40 Years.” This publication reflects on the historical evolution, assesses its global impact, and explores its ongoing relevance. It highlights the UN Set’s contribution to fostering international cooperation, shaping competition law and policy in developing countries.
Purpose of the Event
This event aims to officially present the United Nations Set of Principles and Rules on Competition: Implementation after 40 years, celebrating the UN Set’s legacy in fostering competitive markets over four decades, and disseminate key findings from the publication, including the future prospects of the UN Set. It will also provide a platform to strengthen global dialogue on the UN Set's impact and influence on the implementation of competition law and policy, particularly in developing countries, further reinforce multilateral dialogue on strengthening competition frameworks worldwide.
This event is held as a side event of the 9th United Nations Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection.
Target Audience
The event is designed for a wide range of stakeholders including:
- Competition authorities and government agencies
- Legal and economic experts in competition law and policy
- Academics and researchers in relevant fields
- International and regional organizations
Speakers [TBC]
- Frederic Jenny, Professor, ESSEC Business School
- Eleanor Fox, Walter J. Derenberg Professor of Trade Regulation Emerita, New York University School of Law
- Ioannis Lianos, Professor of Global Competition Law and Public Policy, Faculty of Laws, University College London
