New York, United States, In an encouraging start for global tax reform, countries showed readiness to engage and negotiate as the first and second sessions of the International Negotiating Committee on the UN Tax Convention concluded today. The discussions underscored the importance of holding corporate polluters and the super-rich to account through new global tax rules, while unlocking trillions in public funds to invest in vital climate action and public services.
Nina Stros, Global Senior Policy Expert, Greenpeace International's Political Unit said: "Haze from the Canadian wildfires hung over New York City, a stark and harrowing reminder of what's at stake at the UN Tax Convention negotiations. It is outrageous that the super-rich and corporate polluters keep profiting from destruction while people and the planet pay the price."
"Negotiations began cautiously but ended with a rising chorus of agreement: the current global tax regime is flawed and unfit for a planet in crisis. While far from enough, there were some positive steps forward with countries like Spain and Germany's written and verbal statements in support of tax solutions that tackle inequality and fight environmental destruction, and the Africa Group proposing an additional commitment on taxing income from the extraction of natural resources."
"It is clear that strong action can no longer wait. Urgent new global tax rules are needed to close loopholes and raise funds for climate solutions and public services. There is growing momentum towards establishing an international tax system for sustainable development. Public support is surging, the climate crisis is deepening, inequalities worsening. Governments must step up and act now to fix this broken system to secure a just and prosperous future for everyone."
Negotiations for the Convention will continue until 2027. The third round of negotiations will be held in Nairobi from 10 to 21 November 2025.
