Leaders unite for ‘A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles’ on global day of action for consumers
- The impacts of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss have reached new extremes and are impacting consumers
- Global leaders spotlight consumer needs for a fair, safe and clean economy
- More action is needed to make sustainable choices the easy choice
This week leaders from civil society, business and government around the world join in a call to action for ‘A just transition to sustainable lifestyles'. Their message is delivered for World Consumer Rights Day with an urgency to mitigate climate impacts and an opportunity to help consumers who want affordable and clean solutions.
In the lead up to World Consumer Rights Day on March 15, Consumers International is hosting a ‘Sustainable Lifestyles Summit’ featuring 18 diverse events with 90 eminent speakers from all corners of the world.
Consumers do want to change. Research from Consumers International has shown that 9 out of 10 consumers endorse a shift to sustainable lifestyles, but over 80% need stronger, workable interventions from government and business. The commitments leaders make this week and beyond will determine how much power we are given to shift our lifestyles in the right direction.
The Summit explores the solutions needed across a range of important areas including – food, energy, plastics, consumer information. How can we ensure products and services are within reach for all consumers? How can we make them more accessible, available and affordable?
Too often decisions affecting consumers are made without their voice and participation. Events such as the Summit address this to help see that a new social compact is made with consumers, where their viewpoints are heard and greater trust is built.
For decades consumer advocacy groups - diverse in mandate, size, geography - from Consumer Reports in the USA to FOMCA in Malaysia to Kenya Grassroots Association have been the trusted partner to people in the marketplace worldwide. They have supported them to seek redress, educated them on their rights and instituted innovations with results.
Leaders from these groups and others will speak to latest data, insights and stories to relay the first-hand concerns of consumers in their nations, as well as the interventions they have valued.
As these conversations take place, consumer bodies and other organisations are preparing to run campaigns on World Consumer Rights Day on March 15 with over 100 Members of Consumers International expected to mark the day. This includes running events, showcasing actions in schools and university, releasing new research and speaking to the press.
As the world desperately looks for agreement and resolution at leadership moments this year – such as COP30 in Brazil and the United Nations Environment Assembly in Kenya, commitments, recommendations and insight emerging from the Summit and Member campaigns will bolster actionable roadmaps from across business, government and others for greater sustainable choices and a just transition for all.