Leveraging Personal Income Taxation for Sustainable Development - Side event at the Second Preparatory Committee Session of the Financing for Development Conference

Bringing together academic and policy experts, the panel explores innovative personal income taxation (PIT) reforms as essential for financing sustainable development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Drawing on recent research, such as the effects of PIT reform of top incomes in South Africa, the panel will discuss the implications of progressive taxation, the challenges of taxing top incomes in emerging economies, and tax policy interventions that influence incomes in lower-income countries.

Taxation policies are pivotal in mobilizing domestic resources and fostering inclusive economic growth. Progressive taxation can enhance revenue generation while promoting equity but poses challenges regarding taxpayer compliance and administrative efficiency. Similarly, taxing top incomes in emerging economies requires balancing revenue needs with economic incentives. With its evidence-based insights and innovative solutions, this panel aims to address these critical issues, contributing to the broader Financing for Development agenda and inspiring hope for a more equitable future.

Programme 

Date: 3 December 

Moderator: Ahtesham Khan, Head of UNDP Tax for SDGs

Opening remarks: TBD

Speakers: 

•    Hazel Granger, Senior Research Fellow, ODI Global 
•    H.E Chola Milambo, Permanent Representative from Zambia to the United Nations
•    Amina Ebrahim, Research Fellow, UNU-WIDER
•    Israel Bikorimana, Senior Economist, Tax Policy, Rwanda Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (TBC)