A message from the new Consumers International Director General, Joost Martens, upon his arrival at CI:
"Whether it’s food prices or the financial crisis, social responsibility or corporate accountability, consumer rights are at the very heart of the big issues shaping the world’s future. Arguably, there has never been a more important time to fight for our universal consumer rights, like the right to product safety, a sustainable future, access to basic services, and the right to be fully informed about the products and services we purchase.
"Consumers International and its member organisations must continue to hold governments and corporations to account, and ensure that the consumer voice is put at the heart of decision-making. This means pushing for greater consumer protection as the economic downturn takes hold. It means taking corporations to task over the unjust and avoidable rise in food prices in many parts of the world. It means demanding sustainable access to essential services as the world’s resources face intolerable strain.
"These are fundamental consumer concerns, and many of our member organisations are working tirelessly on these at the national level. Through our international campaigning and advocacy work, CI is also fighting for fair and sustainable consumption, corporate transparency and responsibility, and access to essential services such as energy.
"I look forward to continuing this vital work, and further advancing the role and reach of the global consumer movement."
