The UN Tax Convention has the potential to become a trillion-dollar treaty that can crack down on tax havens and boost public financing for development and environmental protection around the world. This is also a historic opportunity to reduce inequalities – both within and between countries.

History was in the making in New York during the latest round of negotiations for the UN Convention on International Tax Cooperation, and important progress was made. But much still needs to be resolved - not least on taxation and sustainable development.

After years in the making, the negotiations on the substance of the new UN Convention on International Tax Cooperation and two early protocols will finally begin at the UN Headquarters in New York on Monday 4 August.

The next round of negotiations of a UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation will take place in New York from 4-15 August. In June, the UN published three key documents for consultation on 1) the Convention, 2) an early protocol on taxation of services, and 3) an early protocol on dispute prevention and resolution. In response, over 100 civil society organisations and trade unions sent joint submissions outlining their expectations for the upcoming negotiations. 

The new text provides a good starting point for the upcoming UN negotiations. It is high time for our governments to show willingness to cooperate and deliver the international agreements we need to move forward.