Summary
UNDESA organized a virtual panel discussion and launch event on “Advancing a Tax and SDGs approach that builds trust and spurs transformation: present and possible future contributions by the UN Tax Committee.” The informal event took place on 7 October 2021, 8:00 – 10:30 a.m., New York time.
Discussions focused on concrete actions that the UN Tax Committee can take toward reinforcing the capacity of countries to mobilize revenues, manage/reduce risks, build sustainable and resilient economies, reduce inequalities, fund public health and combat the adverse effects of climate change.
The event featured the launch of the guidance products produced by the 2017-2021 membership of the UN Tax Committee, with special focus on priorities and practical issues for developing countries. Over four years of intense work, the Committee has produced:
- 2021 UN Model Double Taxation Convention between Developed and Developing Countries (English)
- 2021 UN Practical Manual on Transfer Pricing for Developing Countries (English)
- 2021 UN Handbook on Selected Issues for the Taxation of the Extractive Industries (forthcoming)
- 2019 UN Manual for the Negotiation of Bilateral Tax Treaties between Developed and Developing Countries (English)
- 2021 UN Handbook on Avoidance and Resolution of Tax Disputes (English) (Spanish)
- 2021 UN Handbook on Carbon Taxation (English)
- UN Guidelines on the Tax Treatment of Government-to-Government Aid Projects (English) (Spanish)
English versions of most the guidance products will be available in electronic format in 2021, with French and Spanish versions to follow, some this year and some in 2022.
The event was opened by high-level representatives from the United Nations and the donor community. The panel discussion will engage experts from developing countries, regional tax organizations, civil society organizations, academia, civil society and the private sector.
Introduction and opening remarks
- Mr. LIU Zhenmin, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, UNDESA (PDF)
- H.E. Mr. Collen Vixen Kelapile, President of the Economic and Social Council, Ambassador Extraordinary and Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Botswana to the UN in New York (PDF)
- Mr. Odd-Inge Kvalheim, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Norway to the UN in New York (PDF)
Launch of publications
- Ms. Carmel Peters, Former Co-Chairperson, UN Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters (2017-2021) and Policy Manager, Inland Revenue, New Zealand, and Mr. Eric Mensah, Former Co-Chairperson, UN Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters (2017-2021) (PDF)
Panel discussion
- Ms. Liselott Kana, Head of Department, Internal Revenue Service of Chile (Servicio de Impuestos Internos - SII), and former and current Member of the UN Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters (Moderator); Mr. Logan Wort, Executive Secretary, African Tax Administrators Forum (ATAF); Mr. Márcio F. Verdi, Executive Secretary, Inter-American Center of Tax Administrations (CIAT); Ms. Joy Waruguru Ndubai, Researcher, Institute for Austrian and International Tax Law, Vienna University of Economics and Business; Ms. Tove Maria Ryding, Policy and Advocacy Manager (Tax Justice), Eurodad/Civil Society FfD Group; Mr. Francis Kamau, Partner and Tax Leader East Africa, EY
Closing remarks
- Mr. Navid Hanif, Director, Financing for Sustainable Development Office, UNDESA
For questions or further information, kindly contact our organizing team for this event in the International Tax and Development Cooperation Branch/FSDO at taxcommittee@un.org.