International cooperation in tax matters has intensified in the last few years. Processes under the anti-BEPS framework at the OECD/G20 are proof of that. Nevertheless, countries in the global South that are suffering from the results of tax evasion and avoidance the most are still to a great deal marginalized and excluded from this. In some cases, countries in the global South are even suffering from a non-conducive global environment that limits their policy space in tax matters. For the poor, this means losing vast amounts of resources, where they could have been allocated to sustainable development.
With the Financing for Development Conference coming up in July, now is the time to set the course towards fighting tax avoidance and evasion by the rich and powerful corporations. The UN Secretary General calls for the establishment of an intergovernmental committee on tax cooperation under the auspices of the UN. Would such a committee foster dialogue and cooperation without marginalizing a majority of governments and people? Will this be a meaningful space outside the exclusive clubs of the OECD? The UN appears to be the natural place for this. But even more visionary solutions are conceivable.
Join us for a panel discussion with inputs from:
- Firas Jaber (Arab NGO Network for Development)
- Jorge Coronado (Latindadd/GATJ)
- Jane Nalunga (SEATINI Uganda/ Global Alliance for Tax Justice)
- Jean Letitia Saldanha (CIDSE)
Moderation: Teresa Marshall (Global Alliance for Tax Justice)