The Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency (GCCA), acting in its capacity as the presiding institution of the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) for the 2026-2027 term, will host a high-level international event in Tbilisi from 14 to 18 September 2026. The conference is dedicated to strengthening international cooperation in the field of consumer protection and to the exchange of experience on contemporary challenges, bringing together over 90 delegates from 55 countries. The conference's main message is “Building Trust in the Digital Age”. The event will be officially opened by Irakli Lekvinadze, Chairman of the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency.
Over the course of the conference, representatives of the consumer protection field, international organisations, and experts from across the world will examine contemporary challenges to the protection of consumer rights and the means of addressing them.
The main part of the programme, to be held from 15 to 17 September, will comprise thematic panel sessions, high-level meetings, and closed working sessions. Participants will address the risks arising from the development of artificial intelligence, mechanisms for safeguarding consumer rights in digital markets, the protection of children and young people from harmful online commercial practices, so-called "dark patterns," influencer marketing, digital transparency, and consumer trust. Particular attention will also be devoted to the institutional strengthening of consumer protection agencies, inter-agency cooperation, and closer cooperation with non-governmental and civil society organisations, academic circles, and other partners.
As part of the event, awards will be presented for innovative initiatives in the field of consumer protection. In particular, the World Bank and ICPEN will recognise innovative and effective consumer protection initiatives implemented worldwide, with awards presented to representatives of the countries concerned.
For the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency, the ICPEN Presidency represents a significant opportunity to strengthen international cooperation and to advance contemporary approaches in the field of consumer protection.
According to Irakli Lekvinadze, consumer trust is the foundation of a fair market and international cooperation, effective enforcement, and innovative approaches are of particular importance in reinforcing it.
"It is a great honour for our Agency to lead ICPEN and to cooperate with member countries and partner organisations throughout the 2026-2027 Presidency, with a view to building together fairer, more trustworthy, and more inclusive markets for consumers", stated Irakli Lekvinadze.
During Georgia's Presidency, particular attention within ICPEN will be devoted to supporting new and developing consumer protection agencies, protecting consumer rights in light of the growth of artificial intelligence and digital markets, and reinforcing the protection of vulnerable consumers.
ICPEN, established in 1992, is an international network bringing together authorities of various countries and international partners active in the field of consumer protection and enforcement. Its principal objective is to strengthen international cooperation in consumer protection and to facilitate the exchange of experience and best practice.
The programme in Tbilisi will open on 14 September at Georgia's National Palace of Youth and Students, with a welcome reception and informal gathering for guests. The main part of the conference, held from 15 to 17 September, will be opened by Irakli Lekvinadze, GCCA Chairman, and Levan Kalandadze, GCCA Deputy Chairman.
