Conference: Tax as a force for progressive development – the role of governments, donors and civil society
On October 23, the conference on “Tax as a force for progressive development” will be hosted by ActionAid Denmark, Oxfam IBIS and Nick Hækkerup (Social Democratic Party in Denmark).
This event’s purpose is to shed light on how tax can work as a tool for creating development.
With this conference, ActionAid Denmark and Oxfam IBIS will seek to bring the perspectives of governments, donors and civil society together for a discussion on how tax can become a force for progressive development. The programme will include a keynote speech, followed by a panel debate with room for questions and discussions, with presentations from the Minister of Finance in Burkina Faso, from one of the leading think tanks on the tax area, and from the civil society.
“It is estimated that developing countries will need an additional USD 2.5 trillion every year if we are to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Tax has a potential to bridge this funding gap and – if done right – can also help fight inequality, fund development for the poorest and strengthen gender equality.
As governments across Africa, Latin America, Asia and elsewhere seek to expand their revenue base they are faced with these difficult questions: Who should pay additional taxes? And how do we ensure that revenue is spent in ways that create lasting development to the benefit of the entire population?
Some donors – including Danida – are rapidly upscaling their assistance to support developing country governments in their efforts to build better tax systems. As this is still a relatively new area of development assistance questions still abound on what role donors can play on tax.
Meanwhile civil society is increasingly influencing tax policy discussions at both national and international levels. The so-called Tax Justice movement stresses the importance of including the public in discussions on taxes and spending and also highlight the profound impact that taxes can have on economic, political and gender inequalities.
This conference seeks to bring these three perspectives –governments, donors and civil society –together for a discussion on how tax can become a force for progressive development. The programme will include a keynote speech, followed by a panel debate with room for questions and discussions.”
Confirmed speakers:
– Rosine Sori-Coulibaly, Minister of Finance, Burkina Faso: To present the keynote speech, outlining her Government’s plans to expand their revenue base and re-invest in social development. After the keynote speech the Minister will join our panel of experts.
– Liz Nelson, Director, Tax Justice and Human Rights, Tax Justice Network: Will join our panel discussion and present her views on how tax can support gender justice.
– Hannah Brejnholt Tranberg, Tax Policy and Programme Manager, Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke: Will join our panel discussion to present their new reports on how tax can support more redistribution between the rich and poor.
– Claude Wetta, National Director REN-LAC: Will join our panel discussion to present his views on the role of civil society in tax and spending discussions in Burkina Faso, and how civil society can help root out corruption.
The welcoming and closing remarks will be given by Nick Hækkerup, Member of Parliament for the Social Democrats and Christian Damholt, Chairman of the Board, Oxfam IBIS.
Venue: Christiansborg Palace (Parliament), Provianthuset, room Pro-D (use entrance 2 marked with red on the map below)
Time: Tuesday October 23, 2.30-4.30PM (please arrive early to make time to pass through the security checks)
Registration: Please send your registration to [email protected] no later than Thursday October 18. Kindly use the subject “Registration – Tax and Development”.
Please remember to bring ID, and to arrive early to make time to pass through the security checks.