19th World Consumer Congress opens in Hong Kong

TIMES INT'L

By Jainarine Deonauth in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Convention Centre is the venue for CI’s 19th World Congress

Leaders in business, government, civil society and consumer groups from around the world have gathered in Hong Kong for the 19th World Congress, where they will be engaged in four days of debate and discussion on the issues that matter most to consumers.

The conference begins on Tuesday, May 3rd at the Hong Kong Conference and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), and European Union Commissioner for Climate Action, Connie Hedegaard, is expected to deliver the keynote address.

Commissioner Hedegaard will address the role of consumers in the green economy, a key issue in light of the overall theme of “Empowering Tomorrow’s Consumers”.

Other consumer issues that will feature in the various sessions include financial services, corporate social responsibility, food safety, and consumer rights in the digital age.

Consumers International Director General Joost Martens was quoted as saying that CI is delighted to have Commissioner Hedegaard address the CI World Congress on an issue that is vital to the future of consumption patterns across the globe. He added that the congress is about looking at ways in which consumer groups can help tackle the major challenges facing the world, and give them the tools to empower individual consumers to make a positive difference.

Hedegaard joins an illustrious list of internationally-renowned speakers who will be addressing the world’s consumer movement. Other leading speakers include Unilever Chairman (Greater China) Alan Jope, World Bank Director, Consumer Protection, Sue Rutledge; civil society leader and former CI President Anwar Fazal, United States Consumers Union President James Guest, and The Futures Agency CEO Gerd Leonhard.

Consumers International is the only independent global campaigning voice for consumers. With more than 220 member organisations in 115 countries, the organisation says it is currently building a powerful international consumer movement to help protect and empower consumers everywhere.

The Consumer International World Congress occurs every four to five years. It includes the General Assembly where CI’s president, executive and council are voted into office.

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