The 4th ASEAN Consumer Protection Conference (4th ACPC) addresses empowering consumers in digital and green economy

The 4^th ASEAN Consumer Protection Conference (ACPC) is set to convene under the theme "Empowering Consumers in Digital and Green Economy: Innovate, Protect, Sustain" on 26 August in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The conference, organised by the ASEAN Committee on Consumer Protection (ACCP), Consumer Protection, Competition, and Fraud Repression Directorate-General (CCF), and the ASEAN Secretariat, promises a dynamic exploration of the pivotal role of consumer protection in driving innovation and sustainability within the digital and green economy landscapes.

At the heart of the 4^th ACPC is the exploration of how consumer protection frameworks can foster innovation while safeguarding consumer interests in the evolving digital and green economies. The conference will bring together regulators and businesses to discuss how adaptive regulations can drive technological and environmental progress without compromising consumer safety.

The key discussion will focus on developing infrastructures that empower consumers to confidently and securely navigate the digital economy. Discussions will also delve into strategies for cultivating eco-conscious behaviours within the green economy sphere while addressing deceptive practices that threaten consumer trust in the marketplace.

Moreover, the 4^th ACPC is committed to fostering an inclusive consumer protection environment that addresses the diverse needs and challenges faced by various communities, including those who may be marginalised or underserved. By facilitating dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, the conference aims to chart a course towards a more sustainable and inclusive consumer landscape across ASEAN.

The 4th ACPC underscores ASEAN’s dedication to building a resilient, innovative, inclusive, and sustainable economic environment. The insights and strategies developed at the conference will be crucial in shaping a future where consumer welfare is integral to the digital and environmental advancement in the region.

"We are thrilled to host the 4^th ASEAN Consumer Protection Conference, providing a platform for stakeholders to engage in crucial conversations surrounding consumer empowerment, digital innovation, and environmental sustainability," said Phan Oun, Royal Government of Cambodia Delegate in charge of the Directorate-General of CCF. "By bringing together regulators, businesses, and consumer associations, we aim to catalyse actionable solutions that promote both consumer welfare and economic progress."

A consultative workshop with selected stakeholders (including conference participants) will be convened on the sidelines of the 4^th ACPC to discuss the ASEAN Strategic Action Plan on Consumer Protection (ASAPCP) 2026-2030. These selected stakeholders will be invited to share their views on the next 5-year action plan on consumer protection for ASEAN.

More information on the conference and its registration process will be announced in aseanconsumers.org in due course.