African Group Chair Speaks to the Press on “Framework Convention on International Tax, tabled for vote this week at the UN

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November 19, 2023

H.E Dr. Chola Milambo Chair of the Africa Group (AG) for the month of November, and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Zambia to the UN, on Thursday 16 November 2023, held a Press Conference to apprise the International Community on the Africa Group’s draft resolution on the Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation. The Press Conference took place in the Briefing room of the United Nations Headquarters, in the presence of other AG Permanent Representatives to the UN.

During the press conference, the Chair of the Africa Group announced that the Group will table its resolution in the 2^nd Committee in the upcoming days.

According to the AG Chair, “this Framework Convention is not merely a policy document; it is a beacon of hope for developing countries that have long sought a voice in the shaping of international tax norms. It addresses the critical shortcomings of the current system, which often sidelines the unique challenges and perspectives of developing nations”. This, he said, “is a significant moment in the collective journey towards a more equitable and inclusive global tax system, as the African Group has taken a significant step forward with the proposal of a Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation, a landmark initiative reflective of the collective commitment to fairness and inclusivity in the global tax system”.

H.E. Dr. Milambo, further highlighted that, the Africa Group has presented a forward- looking action-oriented achievable proposal for a Framework Convention to strengthen international tax cooperation and make it fully inclusive and more effective, in the spirit of compromise and reflecting on the inputs from Member States, as this will be beneficial to all countries. The Convention’s primary goal is to ensure that all countries, regardless of their size or economic power, have an equal seat at the table in setting the agenda for international tax cooperation. This is a step towards rectifying the historical imbalance in global tax governance, offering a more equitable platform for dialogue and decision-making. He said “establishing a more equitable tax system, will unlock greater financing potential in critical sectors like healthcare and education, pivotal for Africa and the Global South. The increased revenue generated will be used to allocate resources where they are most needed, supporting sustainable growth and development”. H.E Dr. Chola Milambo, called on behalf of the African Group for collaborative effort and consensus in realizing this Convention. “Together, we can forge a global tax system that is truly representative, fair and effective, benefiting every nation and every citizen”. Concluded the AG Chair.

For further media inquiries, please contact:

Mrs. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head, Media and Information Division | Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission | Mobile: +1 (347) 812-7195 / WhatsApp: +251911361185 | E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org

Oumou Daou Koumoue| Communications Advisor | Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union to the United Nations | Mobile: +1 (914)316-3726 | email: koumoueo@africa-union.org