Davit Songulashvili Participates in ICPEN’s Annual Conference
Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Davit Songulashvili attended the opening ceremony of the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network’s (ICPEN) 2026 annual conference and addressed participants.
Songulashvili highlighted the importance of international cooperation, sharing experience, and close partnerships between government agencies and businesses. He noted that joint efforts would help strengthen consumer rights protection and create a more sustainable, responsible, and trustworthy economic environment.
“Alongside product quality, consumers increasingly care about where a product comes from, its production conditions, food safety, and its environmental impact. Digital technologies and artificial intelligence offer significant opportunities to improve product traceability and food safety, as well as to provide consumers with information quickly and transparently. This is why sharing international experience and ensuring close cooperation between government agencies and businesses are so important. For Georgia, the 2026–2027 ICPEN presidency presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen this cooperation,” said Davit Songulashvili.
Organised by the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency, the international conference took place at the National Youth Palace in Tbilisi. Approximately 100 representatives from nearly 55 countries attended, including heads of consumer protection authorities, representatives of international organisations, and industry experts. Participants discussed challenges in consumer rights protection and enforcement, international experience, and opportunities to strengthen cooperation.
The Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency holds the presidency of the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) for 2026–2027. ICPEN is a global network bringing together consumer protection and enforcement authorities from approximately 80 countries. It cooperates with international organisations including the World Bank, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and other international partners.
