At the invitation of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Chairman of the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency (GCCA), Irakli Lekvinadze, is chairing the 9th UNCTAD International Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection in Geneva, as President.
Organized by UNCTAD, the high-level forum convenes heads of competition and consumer protection authorities from more than 100 countries, alongside senior officials from both governmental and non-governmental sectors, distinguished international experts, and representatives of the academic community.
Under Irakli Lekvinadze’s Presidency, the conference is hosting key sessions addressing the impact of artificial intelligence and competition policy on the global food supply chain. The primary objective of the event is to foster global coordination in competition and consumer protection policies, develop approaches aligned with sustainable development goals, promote the adoption of international standards, and strengthen technical assistance for developing countries.
For the first time, Georgia is participating in a UNCTAD conference with Presidential status. This appointment highlights the country’s strong commitment to fostering international cooperation and upholding high standards in fair competition and consumer rights protection.
On 9 July, Irakli Lekvinadze is scheduled to deliver a keynote address during a panel discussion on “The Synergy Between Competition and Consumer Protection Policies”. In addition, a bilateral meeting is planned for 8 July with Helena Leurent, Director General of Consumers International. The official delegation also includes Sergo Sanikidze, Head of the Consumer Rights Protection Department at the GCCA.
The 9th United Nations Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection is being held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 7 to 11 July 2025.
