|
Strengthening National Consumer Protection Capacity
The principal session reviewed UNCTAD's ongoing efforts to support Member States through technical assistance, policy advice, voluntary peer reviews and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Participants acknowledged the important role these programmes play in helping countries strengthen their legal and institutional frameworks for consumer protection. At the same time, it was noted that the growing demand for technical assistance continues to exceed available resources, highlighting the need for enhanced international support and investment in capacity building.
Country interventions illustrated the diverse challenges faced in implementing consumer protection frameworks. Thailand highlighted the importance of strengthening oversight of e-commerce and digital markets, noting that UNCTAD's support has contributed to improving institutional capacity, practical learning and the responsible use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance consumer protection. Representatives from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA) similarly emphasised the value of regional cooperation in addressing common enforcement challenges.
The Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) drew attention to the need for stronger regional coordination to combat unsafe products, online scams and other cross-border consumer risks. Participants observed that while international guidance provides an important policy foundation, many countries require greater support in translating these recommendations into effective implementation and enforcement at the national level.
Representatives from the European Commission highlighted the recently launched UNCTAD Handbook on Consumer Product Safety as a practical resource to help countries operationalise the United Nations Principles for Consumer Product Safety through strengthened institutions, regulatory capacity and practical training.
|
