Director of Operations, Consumers International

Track C, Plenary Session 3

SHORT BIORGRAPHY

Bjarne Pedersen is the Director of Operations of Consumers International (CI) where he is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of CI policy, media, campaigns and fundraising work as well as deputising for the CI DG as needed.
Academic qualifications include a MSc in Human Nutrition, as well as a Masters in International Environment Policy.
Recently, Bjarne Pedersen has been Head of CI delegations to the Commission on Sustainable Development, and the WHO World Health Assembly as well as being appointed by the UN to be the NGO representative to the Marrakech process.
Bjarne Pedersen has been working in the consumer movement for more than 10 years.
 

ABSTRACT SUMMARY

"Energy – sustainable and fair access from a consumer point of view"

The world consumer movement has long recognised that energy is of fundamental importance to public welfare and the well-being of consumers worldwide. The satisfaction of basic needs is one of the basic rights of consumers. Consumers International advocates for an integrated approach to providing consumers with access to energy in a sustainable and fair manner:
Access – development of network services and ensuring continuity
Sustainability – promotion of sustainable alternatives and energy efficiency
Choice and flexibility – development of off-grid systems; choice of payment methods
Fairness – equitable distribution of supply, fair price formulae
Customer care and support – protection through consumer contracts
Mediation and redress – complaint and dispute resolution systems
Special assistance – targeted help for poor consumers
Governance and consumer influence – representation and regulation