Geneva, Switzerland — The 9th United Nations Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection, during its third session, spotlighted global efforts to implement the UN Guidelines for Consumer Protection. Countries shared case studies and innovations tackling rising consumer challenges, especially in digital markets.
Panellists emphasized the need for robust digital protections, citing the EU’s upcoming Digital Fairness Act (2026) to address manipulative design and protect minors online. Concerns over cross-border e-commerce safety were also raised, with over 12 million parcels entering the EU daily, prompting calls for a global enforcement framework.
Costa Rica outlined its four-pillar consumer framework, while Russia showcased its digital labelling system tracking over 100 billion product units—a model suggested for global replication. South Korea presented its advanced dispute resolution tools, including AI-powered complaint systems and cross-border MOUs, helping resolve over 700 cases and removing 1.1 million unsafe products.
Egypt linked consumer protection to food security, highlighting reforms and partnerships with FAO and WFP.
The panel included global experts such as Ana Gallego Torres, Marco Arroyo Flores, Anna Popova, and Soo Hyun Yoon, with the report delivered by Mritunjai Kapila.