UN General Assembly Member States have voted with a majority of 125 in favor of adopting a Convention on International Tax Cooperation

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November 22, 2023

The resolution A/C.2/78/L.18/Rev.1, tabled by the African Group under the title: “Promotion of inclusive and effective international tax cooperation at the United Nations”, was voted today at the UN Headquarters in New York, marking a historic moment for Africa and the world. The resolution which was tabled was passed with a 125 vote in favor of the Tax Convention, with 48 votes against, and 9 Abstentions. This unprecedented step represents a significant advancement, showcasing the AG’s collective dedication to global tax reform and paving the way for a more equitable and effective global tax system.

For developing nations, this resolution represents a beacon of hope. It will facilitate the access of much needed financial resources, crucial for responding to the current debt crises and facilitate the pursuit of achieving sustainable development. It is also in line with African aspirations as outlined in the AU Agenda 2063, reinforcing the commitment by Member States, to strengthening tax systems and fostering tax equity.

In addressing member states, H.E Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, Permanent Representative of Nigeria, on behalf of the African Group during the 78^th Session of the Second Committee underscored: “By adopting a unified, UN-led framework convention for international tax cooperation, we open doors to significant economic advantages. For emerging economies, this means greater ability to mobilize domestic resources, directly fuelling development projects and social welfare programmes. For more developed nations, it promises a level playing field, reducing instances of tax evasion and avoidance that currently undermine economic fairness. Moreover, recent data from the International Monetary Fund suggests that improving international tax cooperation could significantly reduce illicit financial flows, a scourge that deprives economies, especially those in the developing world, of critical funding. For all countries, illicit flows can fuel crime, destabilizing societies”.

This step is also in line with Africa’s call for the necessity for restructuring the global financial system to ensure increased funding for attaining the sustainable development goals, with due consideration given to the demands and requirements of developing nations.

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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