Seychelles was represented at the first ever Ministerial-level Committee on Consumer Policy of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Seychelles is a non-OECD member.
The Seychelles delegation, was led by Mrs. Natalie Edmond, CEO of the Fair Trading Commission, alongside Mr. Jacques Belle, Minister-Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles in Paris, and Ms. Emy-Lee Lucas, Trade Attaché at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Seychelles to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva.
The meeting held between 08th and 09th October in Paris, France was held under the theme ‘Consumers at the Centre of the Digital and Green Transitions.’ The two-day event featured discussions on the benefits, challenges, and future opportunities for consumer protection amid increasing digital activities and global efforts towards sustainability in the context of the green transition. Delegates shared insights and experiences on critical issues such as greenwashing, product safety and standards, cross-border enforcement, inclusivity in the digital space, misleading commercial practices, and the continued need for targeted consumer education in today’s evolving marketplace.
During the event, Mrs. Edmond shared Seychelles’ unique perspective as a Small Island Developing State, highlighting the nation’s efforts in embracing the digital transition while aiming to protect consumers from associated risks, such as through the implementation of legislation addressing misleading digital advertising. The challenges faced by import-dependent countries like Seychelles were also stressed, as these can influence consumption patterns and potentially hinder the progress of small island states under the green transition. This convening also provided the Seychelles delegation the opportunity to engage in bilateral discussions with representatives of several countries and regional groupings regarding continued and future cooperation in areas related to enforcement and capacity building for the Seychelles.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of a Declaration on Consumer Protection in the context of the dual transition and the launch of a Global Forum on Consumer Protection, aimed at fostering international collaboration to make consumer policies fit for the future.