Ninth session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE) on Consumer Protection Law and Policy (6 to 8 July 2026) and the twenty-third session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Competition Law and Policy (8 to 10 July 2026).
IACL – ILA – BRASILCON – CDEA
Date: 7 July
Time: 08:50–09:50
Venue: Room S1, Palais des Nations, Geneva
Organized at the invitation of: UNCTAD
Products and services are progressively interconnected, with digital technologies reshaping production, distribution, and ways of consumption. In this evolving context, consumer product safety has emerged as a key concern for governments, international organizations, businesses, and consumers. This discussion is particularly relevant when considering so-called “digital transactions” within global platforms and online marketplaces, as well as the associated risks of dark patterns, the role of artificial intelligence, and the increasing fluidity of digital environments. Furthermore, the current climate crisis highlights the need for sustainable and circular economy models, particularly in relation to food. This side event will provide a platform to exchange views on current challenges, good practices and policy responses related to product safety in the digital marketplace, with particular reference to the work undertaken by UNCTAD to strengthen consumer protection frameworks at the international level.
The side-event aims to:
The opening remarks will highlight the increasing global and digital nature of consumption, the convergence between products and services, and of the importance of the UN Principles for Consumer Product Safety (Resolution 80/119) and also of ensuring that product safety is treated as a fundamental consumer right, including in the context of global platforms and sustainable consumption models.
(10 minutes per speaker)
The side event will consist of 10 minutes of expert interventions followed by concluding remarks. The event will be held in person and is open to delegates, representatives of international organizations, academia, civil society, and private sector stakeholders.
English
Organization by: Prof. Dr. Alfredo Ferrante (IACL); Prof. Dr. Claudia Lima Marques (ILA, Brasilcon and CDEA).
WHEN:
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.
In line with the resolution A adopted on 11 July 2025 by the Ninth United Nations Conference to Review All Aspects of the Set of Multilaterally Agreed Equitable Principles and Rules for the Control of Restrictive Business Practices (TD/RBP/CONF.10/7), the consultations at the ninth session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Consumer Protection Law and Policy will focus on the following substantive topics:
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, 5 June 2026.
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.
Online registration is mandatory for all those wishing to attend the meeting and is required for inclusion in the list of participants.
The session will be held with in-person participation in the Council Chamber 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 hour before the start of the session.
