This intergovernmental group of experts is a standing body established under the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection to monitor the application and implementation of the guidelines, provide a forum for consultations, produce research and studies, provide technical assistance, undertake voluntary peer reviews, and periodically update the guidelines.

Deliberations at the eighth session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts will focus on the following topics:

1. Report on the implementation of the United Nations guidelines for consumer protection by member States and relevant stakeholders.
2. Latest developments in legal and institutional frameworks: UNCTAD world consumer protection map.
3. Reports of the working groups on:
   • Consumer product safety;
   • Consumer protection in electronic commerce;
   • Consumer protection and gender.
4. Enhancing the consumer movement: Means to facilitate the development of independent consumer groups.
5. Round table on protecting consumers as tourists.
6. Impact assessment of UNCTAD voluntary peer reviews of consumer protection law and policy.
7. Review of capacity-building in and technical assistance on consumer protection law and policy.

Written contributions

In order to facilitate the deliberations and the informal exchange of experiences and best practices on the topics to be discussed, member States and observers are requested to submit written contributions to the UNCTAD secretariat by Friday, 7 June 2024, to allow participants to prepare for the meeting.

Participation

This meeting is open to all member States of UNCTAD. Other organizations, including specialized agencies, intergovernmental bodies and non-governmental organizations in the general category, may participate as observers.

Registration

Online registration is mandatory for all those wishing to attend the meeting and is required for inclusion in the list of participants.

Logistics

The session will be held with physical participation in room Tempus of the Palais des Nations.

Those who cannot attend the meeting in person will be able to listen to the live audio stream. The link to listen live will be sent to registered participants, at the email address used for registration, one day in advance of the start of the session.