India to lead ninth session of UNCTAD consumer protection event.

In an exciting development for India, it has been announced that the country will take on the role of chairing the ninth session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Consumer Protection Law and Policy. The event, organized by the United Nations Trade and Development, will be held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on Monday. This prestigious position was confirmed by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs in a recent statement.

The two-day session, which will commence on Monday, will bring together a diverse group of individuals including member states, international organizations, consumer protection authorities, and academia, among others. The main focus of the discussions will be on emerging issues in consumer protection law and policy. The Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE), established under the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection, serves as a crucial platform for promoting cooperation and dialogue on matters related to consumer protection law and policy.

India has always been an active participant in international discussions on consumer protection, and this will be further exemplified as it takes on the role of chairing the ninth session. At the Ninth United Nations Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection in Geneva in July 2025, the Department of Consumer Affairs shared valuable insights on India's experience with cross-border consumer dispute resolution. One of the highlights was the discussion on the National Consumer Helpline and its highly effective pre-litigation convergence model.

Leading the charge for India at the upcoming session will be Nidhi Khare, the Secretary of Consumer Affairs, who has been specially invited by the UNCTAD to chair the event. In her role as Chairperson, she will oversee the three-day deliberations and facilitate discussions among member states on crucial global consumer protection priorities. Some of the key highlights of the session include the launch of the United Nations Principles for Consumer Product Safety, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2025.

Additionally, there will be a high-level fireside chat on the topic "Why the Principles Matter," in which India will actively participate. Other important topics that will be covered include consumer information and education, sustainable consumption, enforcement of consumer protection law in global markets, and cross-border consumer protection. The session will also review recent legal and institutional developments and discuss capacity-building initiatives.

Furthermore, the report and provisional agenda for the next session will be drawn up. In conclusion, this event promises to be highly informative and productive, with a focus on advancing the protection of consumer rights on a global scale. It is a testament to India's dedication and commitment to contributing to these important discussions.

Orissa POST - Odisha's No.1 English Daily will continue to bring you updates on this important event.