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

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 78th 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. 

For further media inquiries, please contact: 

1. 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 

2. 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 

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