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UNU-WIDER co-authors policy brief for UN Economist Network

UNU-WIDER Research Fellow Amina Ebrahim has co-authored a policy brief for the United Nations Economist Network (UNEN) on Taxation and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She collaborated with Emily Muyaa from the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs on the brief.

The brief offers policy options to Global South countries on how to reform their tax systems to finance the SDGs and tackle global challenges such as illicit financial flows and the digitalization of the economy. It explores how countries can harness tax policies to mobilize resources for investments in health, gender and climate, and presents supportive mechanisms and frameworks for aligning taxation with the achievements of the SDG. 

In an era marked by food, fuel, debt, and climate challenges, countries face difficult choices between reducing deficits and delivering public services. As economic growth and tax revenue generation are intricately linked, this policy brief offers valuable insights on how countries can contend with these tensions. 

Dr. Ebrahim used findings from her work on the UNU-WIDER project Tax Research for Development, which she is leading, to contribute to the brief. The project investigates how countries could develop their tax systems by improving compliance and mitigating the potentially harmful effects of taxation on enterprise growth and job creation. 

The UNEN Policy Brief is presented at the 29th UNEN meeting taking place on 30 September at 8:00am (NY time) by Dr. Ebrahim and Ms. Muyaa.

About UNEN 
The United Nations Economist Network is a UN-wide network that aims to facilitate collaboration and joint work among United Nations system entities and build synergies to strengthen United Nations thought leadership and shape policies most relevant for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The network is comprised of economists from United Nations system entities and country economists working in Resident Coordinator Offices.