Tax Reform Advocates Convene to Address Global Inequality
A coalition of civil society groups gathered for the three-day event, emphasizing the need to revise international tax rules to be more beneficial for developing nations.
LILONGWE, Malawi— "Urgent and targeted tax solutions" are needed to address inequality, said Rev. Innocent Brave Chikopa, vice chairperson of the Malawi Economic Justice Network, at a conference on global tax reform Tuesday, writes Winston Mwale.
A coalition of civil society groups gathered for the three-day event, emphasizing the need to revise international tax rules to be more beneficial for developing nations.
"The UN Tax Convention campaign is gathering momentum globally with increased voices demanding the rethinking and reorganising of the global taxation regime to be fair for all," Rev. Chikopa said in his opening remarks.
The workshops intend to demystify intricate tax policies and rally support for a United Nations Tax Convention, which seeks to curb illicit financial flows and reform rules seen as favoring wealthy countries.
"Trainings like these provide an ideal platform to exchange experiences, learn from one another, and develop new ideas, coming at a right time, recognizing Malawi's unprecedented volume of debt," Rev. Chikopa said.
Experts from across Africa are leading discussions on topics like transfer pricing, tax incentives and tax treaties.
Participants at the Malawi event include civil society leaders, government agencies, faith groups and journalists.
The UN Tax Convention campaign aligns with Malawi's national development roadmap to achieve self-reliance and industrialization by 2063.
Its backers say a progressive, equitable tax system is essential to finance public services and infrastructure projects outlined in the plan.
"Urgent and targeted tax solutions needed to address inequality," Rev. Chikopa said.