The Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency (GCCA) will officially take over the presidency of the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) on July 1 this year.

According to the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency, the announcement followed the participation of GCCA Chairman, Irakli Lekvinadze, in an international conference organised by ICPEN. During his address, Lekvinadze outlined the agency’s efforts to strengthen global cooperation and tackle modern digital challenges.

Under Georgia’s leadership, the presidency will focus on the core theme of “Building Trust in the Digital Age.”

“In the modern economy, trust is the most vital foundation for market functionality,” Lekvinadze stated, noting the rise of consumer interaction with digital platforms and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The GCCA’s presidency will focus on three key areas: supporting the development of consumer protection authorities, protecting consumer rights in the era of AI and digital markets, and safeguarding vulnerable consumers, including children and people with disabilities.

As part of its tenure, the GCCA will host a major international conference in Tbilisi in September 2026, drawing representatives from around 80 countries to further boost global cooperation.

Established in 1992, ICPEN unites consumer protection authorities from over 80 member states and leading international organisations.