India to Chair UNCTAD Consumer Protection Session in Geneva

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

India will chair the Ninth Session of the UNCTAD Intergovernmental Group of Experts from July 6 to 8.
Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Nidhi Khare, will preside over the global meeting.
The session will launch the United Nations Principles for Consumer Product Safety.

NEW DELHI: The UNCTAD consumer protection session will see India assume a key leadership role as it chairs the Ninth Session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE) on Consumer Protection Law and Policy at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 6 to 8. The meeting will bring together governments, international organisations, consumer protection authorities, academics and policy experts to discuss emerging global challenges in consumer protection.

India will be represented by Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, who has been invited by the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to chair the three-day session and guide discussions among member states.

UNCTAD Consumer Protection Session to Focus on Global Consumer Rights

The meeting will address a wide range of issues related to consumer protection, including the implementation of international guidelines, product safety, sustainable consumption and cross-border enforcement of consumer rights.

Major highlights of the session include:

Launch of the United Nations Principles for Consumer Product Safety, adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2025.
A high-level fireside discussion on the importance of the new global product safety framework.
Deliberations on consumer education, sustainable consumption and international cooperation.
A voluntary peer review of Argentina’s consumer protection law and policy.

Delegates will also review recent legal developments, capacity-building initiatives and prepare the agenda for the next session.

Why the UNCTAD Consumer Protection Session Is Important for India

India’s selection to chair the session reflects its growing contribution to international consumer protection initiatives and recognition of its technology-driven grievance redressal mechanisms.

The second-order impact of India’s leadership could strengthen international cooperation on consumer rights, encourage wider adoption of digital complaint resolution systems and improve cross-border protection for consumers. It also positions India as an important contributor to shaping future global consumer protection standards.

During previous UN discussions, India highlighted the success of the National Consumer Helpline (NCH), which facilitated refunds of more than ₹91.77 crore by resolving over 1.47 lakh consumer grievances before litigation. The government also showcased e-Jagriti, an AI-enabled digital platform that enables online complaint filing, virtual hearings and electronic case management, including for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and consumers living abroad.

According to the Department of Consumer Affairs, India’s role as Chair underscores the country’s commitment to promoting effective, technology-driven and consumer-centric policies while advancing global collaboration on consumer protection.

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