Beirut-Manama, 20 February 2024--The Arab region has made significant progress in implementing policies and laws on various aspects of consumer protection; however, the promotion of sustainable consumption practices remains at a basic regulatory level. To tackle this challenge, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Consumer Protection Directorate at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Bahrain, launched the first Arab Consumer Protection Forum in Manama, Bahrain, in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.
The Forum featured opening statements by Minister of Industry and Commerce in Bahrain Abdulla Bin Adel Fakhroo, UN Under-Secretary-General and ESCWA Executive Secretary Rola Dashti, and UNCTAD Deputy Secretary-General Pedro Manuel Moreno.
In his opening remarks, Fakhroo announced the launch of the first forum for consumer protection in the region from Manama as a consumer-friendly capital, and hoped it would be "the cornerstone for the establishment of an integrated cross-border protection system". He also expressed his Government's interest in the inclusive economic development approach advocated by the Forum, calling on participants to leverage this platform as an opportunity to strengthen consumer protection in the region, and improve and enforce related policies to achieve a dignified and safe life for citizens and residents across Arab countries.
The Forum gathers high-level representatives of consumer protection authorities in the region, academics, experts from UN entities, international and regional organizations, and other local professionals and officials engaged in consumer protection policy enforcement. Participants will share progress made, best practices, and the challenges in developing frameworks for consumer protection policies aimed at promoting sustainability and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the region.
In a recorded statement, Dashti said that the time was suitable for initiating a constructive dialogue on how to formulate consumer protection policies in Arab countries, especially that ESCWA was launching the second edition of its report on Arab Business Legislative Frameworks. "We find ourselves at a crossroads between tradition and innovation. Let us perceive the challenges ahead not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth and transformation. Our journey towards enhancing consumer protection is more than a regulatory and legislative endeavour; it is a moral obligation to our communities, a ray of hope and progress towards a more just and equitable society for all," she added.
Consumer protection is a fundamental aspect of economic and social development in the Arab region, as it plays a crucial role in ensuring fair and transparent business practices, safeguarding the rights of consumers, and promoting economic development.
"The Arab region is suffering from a devastating conflict, with far-reaching negative spillover effects," Moreno underscored. "The world is in great need of solidarity and multilateralism, and in that regard, the First Arab Consumer Protection Forum is a beacon of hope. It offers a unique platform for dialogue and can become a leading event for regional cooperation-a much needed path for finding solutions to the challenges we face," he added.
Over two days, the Forum will focus on challenges and opportunities in adapting legal frameworks, the role of authorities in facilitating access to justice, providing consumers with accessible and efficient avenues to address complaints, and fostering their confidence in the marketplace while safeguarding their rights. It will also focus on addressing the unique risks faced by consumers in the digital realm and charting the way forward on enhancing consumer protection and main intervention areas.
