CFTC TO CHAIR UNCTAD GROUP OF EXPERTS SESSION

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Created on Monday, 09 July 2018 09:59

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Malonda speaking during the session

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) today announced the election of Mrs Charlotte Wezi Malonda as Chairperson of the Third Session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE) on Consumer Protection Law and Policy conference which is currently taking place in Geneva, Switzerland.

The conference, which was officially opened by UNCTAD Secretary General Dr Mukhisa Kituyi, will run from 9-10 July 2018. In light of the recent revision of the UN Guidelines on Consumer Protection in relation to financial services, the conference will discuss international best practices in the protection of financial services consumers. Other key thematic areas to be discussed at the conference include E-commerce, dispute resolution and redress, consumer product safety and voluntary peer reviews of national consumer protection laws of member states with a view to promote regional economic integration.

Commenting on the development, Mrs Malonda described the election as a historic moment for the Competition and Fair Trading Commission of Malawi.

Malonda said:

"I am certain that this year's IGE programme will enrich member states, improve the legislative and institutional framework as well as deepen international cooperation and understanding in the enforcement of consumer protection laws".

The IGE on consumer protection will precede the 17th Session of UNCTAD's Intergovernmental Group of Experts Conference on Competition Law and Policy which is scheduled to run from 11-13 July 2018.

Malawi is represented at the conference by Mrs Malonda and Mr Lewis Kulisewa, Director of Consumer Welfare and Education.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

  1. The Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE) on Consumer Protection Law and Policy is a standing body established under the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection (UNGCP) under the auspices of UNCTAD 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.                                                                                                                                                                                                        
  2. The United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection are a valuable set of principles for setting out the main characteristics of effective consumer protection legislation, enforcement institutions and redress systems and for assisting interested Member States in formulating and enforcing domestic and regional laws, rules and regulations that are suitable to their own economic and social and environmental circumstances, as well as promoting international enforcement cooperation among Member States and encouraging the sharing of experiences in consumer protection.                                                                                                                                              
  3. In this Third Session, the IGE on Consumer Protection is expected to adopt the Agreed Conclusions and to decide on its work programme until its next session.

Contacts for the Press Release

Goldameir Marobe

Tel: +265991000266

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