Since 2011, UNCTAD's has been hosting the annual International Consumer Protection Forum for Latin America, which has grown to be the major public forum on consumer protection issues with over 300 yearly participants. It provides a space for policy makers and other relevant stakeholders such as businesses, consumer associations, academia, practitioners, and the public at large to exchange views on current and future challenges and trends to the welfare of consumers.

This year, the 14th edition of the Forum is set to dive into some of the most urgent topics impacting consumer rights across Latin America and beyond. Our panels will explore groundbreaking ideas, emerging trends, and essential protections for consumers navigating today’s digital and globalized market. Panel Highlights Consumer Protection in Regional Trade Agreements With global markets more connected than ever, it’s crucial that regional trade agreements include strong protections to ensure quality, fairness, and safety for consumers. 

This panel will share insights from global success stories and explore how organizations like MERCOSUR, SICA, and USMCA are championing consumer protection in trade. Harnessing New Technologies for Consumer Rights in the Digital Age Disruptive technologies — like AI, the Internet of Things, and virtual reality — are reshaping the consumer landscape. Our experts will discuss adaptive legal frameworks that protect consumers while encouraging collaboration between governments, businesses, and advocacy groups. Learn how to turn these emerging challenges into opportunities for empowerment and innovation. Innovations in Consumer Education In a fast-evolving market, informed consumers are empowered consumers. This session will present fresh strategies and best practices to reach and educate consumers, especially the vulnerable and disadvantaged, equipping them with the knowledge to make smart, informed choices.

Moreover, UNCTAD will present the main finding of a review of parameters and requirements for an effective consumer label on plastics and plastics alternatives, addressing the need for transparent and informative labelling. The review highlights the importance of labeling in promoting transparency, regulatory compliance, and consumer protection. It showcases harmonized labeling practices that reduce business complexities and prevent disruptions caused by labeling discrepancies, empowering consumers to make informed and sustainable choices.

 Past editions of the International Forum on Consumer Protection for Latin America were hosted in Guayaquil, Lima, Santo Domingo (2013 and 2023), Bogotá, Cuzco, Guanacaste, Mendoza, Guadalajara, El Salvador, Lisbon, Asunción, and Buenos Aires.