The General Assembly’s Second Committee held discussions on promotion of inclusive and effective tax cooperation at the United Nations, which helps to bring the world one step closer to the international tax system we need for the future we want.

The Second Committee has today adopted, by a large majority of countries, a draft resolution establishing a UN intergovernmental committee to draft terms of reference for a United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation.

In September, at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit, Member States showed strong commitment to close the perilous gap in SDG financing.  Aggressive tax avoidance and tax evasion have a corrosive effect on public trust, financial integrity, the rule of law and sustainable development across the globe.    

A UN process is urgently needed to enable an international tax system that respects countries’ sovereignty; reckons with the real ways markets operate and business is done in our modern world; and establishes transparent international tax rules and procedures that respond to the needs, priorities, and capacities of all countries.

We call on all Member States to participate in the process going forward, so that all can benefit from their insights, experiences, and expertise.