CERC elected to represent India and Southeast Asia on the Consumers International Board of Trustees & Council

CERC now represents consumer causes in India and the Southeast Asia region, with the CEO of CERC serving on the Council and the Board of Trustees at CI, the world’s federation of over 200 consumer organisations in 110 countries, working together to influence both local and international policies affecting consumers. It also conducts several campaigns to promote corporate accountability and protect consumers from deceptive marketing practices.

At the CI World Congress in Nairobi, Ms Mehta, CERC EIACP Project coordinator, was a distinguished speaker at a panel discussion titled “Making Sustainable Consumption the Norm,” & explored the challenges of bridging the gap between intention and action in adopting sustainable lifestyles, especially in the context of climate change impacts. She highlighted positive examples of new approaches by the Indian Government, including initiatives like Mission LiFE and Green Skill Development Programs, which exemplify India’s commitment to fostering sustainability and addressing environmental challenges. Session during the World Congress looked at how the marketplace can support more sustainable decisions across all aspects of our lifestyles – the transport we use, the homes we live in, the goods we buy, and how vulnerable, urban or next generation consumers in different parts of the world can be better supported by business and government to live more sustainably.

CERC shared India’s example, which shows the importance of behavioural change and consumption choices in driving energy transitions. The IEA has analysed the impact of measures like those proposed by the LiFE initiative, such as buying an EV or taking public transport, as part of comprehensive energy transition strategies. According to the IEA’s modelling, the adoption worldwide of the kinds of actions and measures targeted by LiFE – including behavioural changes and sustainable consumer choices – would reduce annual global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by more than 2 billion tonnes (Gt) in 2030.

The Consumer International Global Congress is a pivotal event where all stakeholders like Governments, Regulators, Civil Society Organizations & Businesses come together to build a better marketplace and resilient future for Consumers. At Nairobi, the Global Congress saw over 600 attendees in person from over 75 countries, and over 30 impact-driven panel discussion sessions with eminent speakers were held. It was in this forum that Ms Mehta introduced Mission LiFE initiatives and how this can be replicated globally.