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Enforcing Consumer Rights: Implementing SDG 16 at Local Level
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The 2030 Agenda, adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015, defines the priorities and aspirations of global sustainable development and seeks to mobilize global efforts around a set of common goals and targets. In what has been declared the “decade of action”, 17 global goals aim to “leave no one behind” and set sustainability targets, structured around 5 principles: Planet, People, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnerships. The 16th of these Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions”, including access to justice and the building of effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. In line with the SDGs, the European Consumer Agenda 2020–2025 covers five key priority areas: green transition; digital transformation; redress and enforcement of consumer rights; specific needs of certain consumer groups; and international cooperation. The focus of European Union policies is to empower consumers to make informed choices and play an active role in the green and digital transition, which means improving consumer information, protecting them from unfair commercial practices, encouraging companies to act responsibly, and guaranteeing accessible and prompt resolution of conflicts between consumers and traders. The involvement of local and regional authorities in consumer protection is essential in the implementation of this Agenda. The European Committee of the Regions emphasizes the role of local authorities in informing and educating consumers and promoting new consumption patterns and behaviors. Achieving the goal of effective and inclusive institutions involves adjusting local services to local needs and supporting citizens in exercising their rights, particularly in vulnerability and exclusion situations, due to factors such as age, social circumstances, digital literacy, financial situation, or location in remote areas. It is decisive to support initiatives offering local advice to consumers lacking access to centralized or digital support. The purpose of this paper is to assess Portuguese municipalities progress in relation to the SDG targets for Justice and Strong Institutions and consumer empowerment policies. Our aim is mapping and proposing best practices and municipal strategies, highlighting the importance of local communities as drivers of development.
Descrição
Palavras-chave
2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Consumer Justice Local government
Contexto Educativo
Citação
Couto, R.; Ventura, P. (2026). Enforcing Consumer Rights: Implementing SDG 16 at Local Level. In: Wülbers, S.A.; Barbedo, I. (eds) Innovation in (Local) Public Administration. Public Administration, Governance and Globalization. Springer. Vol. 10, p.61-73. ISBN 978-3-032-16424-7
Editora
Springer Nature