World Consumer Rights Day

Every year 15th March is celebrated as the World Consumer Rights Day.

World Consumer Rights Day was inspired by President John F Kennedy, who sent a special message to the US Congress on 15th March 1962, in which he formally addressed the issue of consumer rights. He was the first world leader to do so. The consumer movement first marked that date in 1983 and now uses the day every year to mobilise action on important issues and campaigns.

Objective

World Consumer Rights Day is an annual international event that signifies celebration and solidarity in the international consumer movement, demanding that, consumer rights are to be respected and protected. The event also gives a chance to protest against the market abuses and social injustices which undermine those rights.

Theme for 2023

Each year, World Consumer Rights Day adopts a theme to highlight. This year the theme promoted is "Empowering consumers through clean energy transitions.".

Coming together for change in energy transitions, we will both support consumers through the cost-of-living crisis and help to meet net zero targets by promoting access to sustainable energy globally.  

Most economies are facing a deepening energy crisis globally which is having an especial untold impact on vulnerable consumers. Global energy prices are set to rise by 50% by the end of 2022 and will stay high in 2023. Together with food and finance price increases, consumers everywhere are radically changing their lifestyles to access essential needs. Indeed, in our global insights survey with Members, 81% reported that consumers are adjusting their budgets so they can pay their energy bills.

Today’s challenge is to help consumers through present difficulties whilst enabling a rapid transition that guarantees sustainability, security, and affordability in the long term. Increasing access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy will also play a major part in averting catastrophic climate change, with consumption shifts now recognised and estimated to reduce future greenhouse gas emissions by 40-70%. 

Source : Consumer International