ITUC welcomes UN progress toward international tax cooperation convention

photo: UN

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) welcomes a significant step towards establishing a convention on international tax cooperation.

The UN Intergovernmental Committee on International Tax Cooperation has adopted, with the support of a large majority of member states, a Terms of Reference (ToR) that is the blueprint for developing the convention. Negotiations based on the ToR are planned over the next three years and should result in the adoption of a UN Global Tax Convention expected in 2027.

ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle emphasised: “The adoption of the ToR is a milestone in the global effort to create a more equitable international tax system. A new UN convention will help ensure that all countries, especially developing nations, can fully participate in shaping global tax policies that have far-reaching impacts on workers and communities worldwide.

“We believe this framework will strengthen the fiscal capabilities of poorer nations, enabling them to invest more in poverty reduction, essential public services, infrastructure and sustainable development initiatives that will support a Just Transition.”

The ITUC particularly welcomes the following aspects of the ToR:

  • The focus on inclusivity and equitable taxation, which aligns closely with the longstanding call of trade unions for a fairer redistribution of global wealth.
  • The aim to curtail tax evasion and avoidance by multinationals and wealthy individuals, as well as profit shifting and illicit financial flows that disproportionately harm developing economies.
  • The proposals to give specific attention to the digital economy and the environment.
  • The emphasis on supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enhancing the fiscal space of developing countries.
  • The inclusion of trade unions and other civil society organisations to ensure transparency in the process.

By improving tax collection mechanisms and ensuring fair taxation of multinational corporations and high-net-worth individuals, this initiative will provide governments in developing countries with the resources needed to combat poverty, create decent jobs, reduce income inequality, and enhance the livelihoods of workers.

Luc Triangle added: “As negotiations on a new convention progress, the ITUC is committed to ensuring that the perspectives of workers are adequately represented.”