The Association For Consumer Rights (ACR) AGM was held via ZOOM on 28 February 2022. In her opening address ACR President Pauline Azzopardi highlighted the forward-looking vision of ACR, to address the challenges of a fast changing society - a vision empowering Maltese consumers with information on their rights and responsibilities in identifying bait advertising, false claims, misleading offers or aggressive selling, among others. ACR constantly provides consumers with skills to be able to take action. 

ACR is also advocating for action to combat disinformation to be given high priority. More and continuing efforts are needed to coordinate the fight against disinformation. "The importance of a media literacy plan  is an essential precondition for our democracies so that everyone, particularly our youngest citizens, are able to distinguish between true and false information," it said.

"Advertising for modern, responsible consumption is another area of concern. In the face of the digital transition, the need for greater respect for consumers and the challenges of the green transition and the fight against climate change require a broader debate to encourage society to reduce their environmental impact, including also the business sector. This can be achieved by reducing the energy consumption of digital advertising screens and making them more recyclable."

Another important topic that is being addressed by ACR is Promoting Sustainable Consumption in Malta to Help Reduce Carbon Emissions and Mitigate Climate Change. "Traditionally, consumer associations worldwide focused on lobbying for better protection of consumer rights.  However, increasing environmental and climate problems have shown that consumers must not only enjoy rights but also uphold certain responsibilities. The climate emergency clearly indicates that consumption must also be sustainable. In view of the above context, in conjunction with lobbying for consumer rights, ACR Malta is taking on sustainable consumption as one of its primary objectives."

Also being addressed are issues concerning sustainable pensions for today's young generation; protection of vulnerable groups and the elderly from exclusion due to new and complex digital technology developments among others. "From this pandemic, we have learnt how important digital transformation is with its benefits and challenges of the digital future and this is the way forward for all," the President concluded.

The approved ACR Executive Committee for 2022 includes: President - Pauline Azzopardi, Vice President - Cynthia Busuttil, Hon General Secretary - Grace Attard, Hon Treasurer  - Catherine Polidano and members Barbara Buttigieg and Sarah Scerri .

As in previous years, the Association dealt with a number of queries and complaints on various products and services. ACR builds on empowerment for consumers to deal with their various complaints such as white goods, furniture, technology devices, queries re contract information of bank services, better safety measures in products and services, online shopping information, guarantees, mobile telephony, faulty tablets, late deliveries, gift vouchers, price indication, shopping during sales, among others.

The following Resolutions for 2022 were approved:

Empowering the Maltese consumers with information on their rights and responsibilities

National Strategy to Promote Financial Literacy

Advertising for Modern and Responsible Consumption

Volunteers - Citizens Building the Future of Europe

Strengthening the Code of Practice on Disinformation

Mitigating Climate Change and Reducing Carbon Emissions by Promoting Sustainable Consumption in Malta.

Urge Authorities to Introduce More Incentives and Deterrents to Reduce Use of Single-Use-Beverage containers in Malta

In her concluding remarks, ACR President thanked the hard-working Executive Committee members for their teamwork and for giving up their time voluntarily without which all this would not have been possible. She urged all members and the general public to support the work of ACR and to come forward with their wealth of ideas and talents as together we are determined to move forward in empowering the Maltese Consumer. ACR is committed to safeguard the interests of consumers in Malta in all aspects. Through its links, ACR is in a position to ensure consumers have the necessary information and skills when dealing with National, European and International developments of consumer affairs.

For more information on ACR visit ACR website: www.acrmalta.com, or join us on our FB page ACR (Malta) or contact us on email: [email protected]