The consumer movement has grown from a pioneering group of founding members in 1960 to an incredibly diverse and powerful global network in 2020. During the course of the last 60 years, there have been some inspiring collaborative wins and moments of impact; from getting guidelines on consumer protection adopted by the United Nations (UN) in 1985 and contributing to the 2015 abolition of export subsidies for agricultural products, to successfully campaigning for the G20 to develop international principles on financial consumer protection. With over 200 member organisations in more than 100 countries, we continue to build a powerful international movement to help protect and empower consumers everywhere.
This important milestone is a moment to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of the consumer movement – but it is also a key opportunity to look to the future and highlight the central role of consumers and consumer advocates as we move towards 2030.
2020 itself has been an incredibly challenging year so far and has required leadership through crisis, showing that a united, determined and passionate movement is critical, with consumer groups working together with key partners and global leaders to drive change towards a safer, fairer and more sustainable world.
Consumers International, UNEP and One Planet Network release their global assessment of recycling and sustainability labelling on plastic packaging. The research found only 19% of assessed labels give consumers quality information to make informed recycling and purchasing decisions.
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Consumers International has announced that the theme for World Consumer Rights Day (15 March 2021), is ‘Tackling Plastic Pollution’. The campaign will raise awareness and engage consumers globally to adopt and promote more sustainable practices. Building on last year’s theme of ‘The Sustainable Consumer’, the campaign will also focus on the central role that consumer advocates, governments and businesses can play in tackling the global plastic pollution crisis.
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