Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Consumer Protection Law and Policy, first session

The Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE) on Consumer Protection Law and Policy is a standing body established under the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection (UNGCP) 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.
 

UN Guidelines for Consumer Protection

The United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection are a valuable set of principles for setting out the main characteristics of effective consumer protection legislation, enforcement institutions and redress systems and for assisting interested Member States in formulating and enforcing domestic and regional laws, rules and regulations that are suitable to their own economic and social and environmental circumstances, as well as promoting international enforcement cooperation among Member States and encouraging the sharing of experiences in consumer protection.

The First Session of the IGE on on Consumer Protection Law and Policy will include the following sessions:

• High Level Segment on Launch of the Revised United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection
  Monday 17 October 2016 (10:00-12:00)

• Round Table on Engaging Stakeholders for the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals: Leaving no consumer behind
  Monday 17 October 2016 (12:00-13:00)

• Round Table on Challenges and Perspectives for the Collaborative Economy
  Monday 17 October 2016 (15:00-16:30)

• Round Table on Capacity Building in Consumer Protection: Challenges and Perspectives
  Monday 17 October 2016 (16:30-18:00)

• Interactive Discussion on Delivering for Consumers: Discussing the method of work and work programme for the IGE on Consumer Protection
  Tuesday 18 October 2016 (10:00-12:00)

• Interactive Discussion on Peer Learning: Discussing the methodology for Voluntary Peer Reviews on Consumer Protection Law and Policy
  Tuesday 18 October 2016 (12:00-13:00)
   

In this First Session, the IGE on Consumer Protection is expected to decide on its method of work and work programme for the period 2016-2020. In particular, in guideline 97(c) of the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection, the General Assembly decided that UNCTAD should conduct voluntary peer reviews of national consumer protection policies of Member States, as implemented by consumer protection authorities. An interactive discussion will also be devoted to this pioneer peer learning activity.

The IGE will be followed by the 7th Meeting of the UNCTAD Research Partnership Platform on Wednesday 19 October in the morning, and the 15th Session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Competition Law and Policy from 19 Ocotber in the afternoon until 21 October 2016.
 

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, 16 September 2016, to allow participants to prepare themselves for the consultations.
 

Information for participants

Participants at the meeting need bring copies of their registration forms in order to collect their badge at the United Nations Security Service, Pregny Gate (opposite the Red Cross Building) before the meeting.

The Security Service is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants are strongly advised to arrive before 8.30 a.m. Participants are requested to carry a passport or a national identity card with them.

Substantive and other inquiries should be addressed to the Competition and Consumer Policies Branch ([email protected] or + 41 22 917 18 78)