World Consumer Protection Day in 2025: the history and motto of the holiday, events

Every year on March 15, Russia and the world celebrate World Consumer Rights Day. The international date is intended to remind of reasonable consumption and the need to protect consumer rights. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Friday. Izvestia tells us when the holiday appeared and under what motto it will be held this year.

The history of World Consumer Protection Day, celebrated on March 15th

World Consumer Rights Day has been held annually since 1983, and the holiday has been widely celebrated in Russia since 1994. The date of the celebration is timed to coincide with the day of the speech of American President John F. Kennedy (1961-1963) in the US Congress in 1962.

Speaking to senators, Kennedy said that consumers are the largest economic group, but their views are often not heard. At the same time, for the first time, the word "consumer" was defined at the highest level and the key rights of this category of citizens were outlined.

Also in the early 1960s, the International Consumer Organization (Consumers International) was founded with its head office in London, whose activities are related to consumer protection. It was one of its participants, Anwar Fazal, an activist of the Consumer Rights movement, who proposed celebrating March 15 as World Consumer Rights Day.

Today, the organization has representative offices in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council in more than 100 countries around the world. Its members include several Russian associations, in particular the Consumers Union of Russia, which unites regional and local consumer organizations.

World Consumer Protection Day — traditions and events

On Consumer Protection Day, round tables, educational and other events are held around the world with the participation of representatives of public organizations and authorities. Such meetings raise issues related to consumer protection, ensuring a healthy, sustainable environment, and equitable allocation of resources.

Consultations are organized for citizens, during which explanations of relevant aspects of consumer protection legislation are provided and practical assistance is provided. The issues of the day are widely discussed in the media. There are many holiday-themed stories on the air and on the newspaper pages.

On the eve of the international date, a press conference dedicated to World Consumer Rights Day was held at the Izvestia Press Center. The participants discussed the latest legislative changes in this area and the violations that consumers most often face. Some of the topics were devoted to ensuring the security of the ready-to-eat market and protecting customers in online stores.

The theme of the World Consumer Protection Day in 2025

Every year, the celebrations are dedicated to a relevant topic. In 2025, the international date will be held under the motto "A fair transition to a sustainable lifestyle."

Thus, the organizers intend to encourage citizens around the world to consume consciously and minimize the damage caused to the environment as a result of human consumption of natural resources and products.

Past topics have included "Building a digital World that Consumers can trust," "Helping Consumers Choose healthy Diets," "Reliable Smart Products," and "Sustainable Consumers."

Earlier, Izvestia reported on changes in legislation in the field of consumer protection in Russia.