28-29 May 2025
What: The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is organizing the sixth edition of the Arab Competition Forum, in partnership with the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Competition and Antitrust Council (CAC) of Iraq.
When: Wednesday 28 & Thursday 29 May 2029, starting 9:00 a.m. (Baghdad time)
Where: Al-Mansour Melia Hotel, Baghdad, Iraq.
Who: The opening session will be broadcasted live on the ESCWA YouTube channel and will feature statements by:
- Mr. Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani, Prime Minister of Iraq;
- Ms. Rola Dashti, ESCWA Executive Secretary;
- Ms. Rebeca Grynspan, UNCTAD Secretary-General; and
- Mr. Benoît Coeuré, Chair of the OECD Competition Committee.
The Forum will bring together representatives of competition authorities in the Arab region, academics, UN entities and other international and regional organizations, as well as experts and professionals engaged in competition policy enforcement in the region.
A special award ceremony will also be held to recognize the winners of the university student competition challenge, an initiative jointly organized by ESCWA and CAC.
Why: The two-day event will provide a regional platform for peer learning and exchange of expertise on strengthening competition law enforcement, as this year's edition will focus on "Competition Law Enforcement in the Arab Region", addressing relevant challenges and opportunities. Discussions will delve into issues including the role of competition law in regulating mergers and acquisitions, particularly cross-border transactions. It will also underscore the importance of regional cooperation to prevent market concentration and promote fair competition.
For the agenda and more details, click here.
