TAI Weekly

TAI Weekly|Lessons for a Sustainable Future

By TAI (Role at TAI)
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TAI Weekly

WHAT'S NEW?

Devex explores the implications of Donald Trump’s re-election for global development. The analysis highlights concerns around potential cuts to foreign aid, weakened multilateralism, and a rollback of climate commitments. Any hopes for US leadership on global tax reform and accountability mechanisms are well and truly dashed.

Jodi Vittori expresses concern that a Trump victory could make the United States more susceptible to illicit financial activities. She argues that the U.S., already a primary destination for hiding illicit funds, may open the door wider to money launderers. 

The Anti-Corruption Data Collective and Transparency International warn of corporate influence at COP29, which could undermine climate commitments. A similar report from the OCCRP calls for stronger governance mechanisms to ensure the integrity of global climate conferences, while Global Witness investigations suggest the host government is using its position to facilitate discussion of new fossil fuel deals. 

The Economist highlights China’s growing dominance in the global mineral supply chain. This control has far-reaching implications for governance, local communities, and global industries reliant on critical minerals. The piece explores how countries are grappling with this shift and what it means for the future of resource management.

A groundbreaking exposé by ICIJ in 2014, Lux Leaks revealed widespread corporate tax avoidance schemes in Europe. Ten years later, these revelations continue to shape tax policy and advocacy efforts worldwide. The anniversary offers a moment to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain in tackling tax avoidance.

Solomé Lemma discusses how global social justice movements are redefining democracy. Lemma argues that democracy extends beyond electoral processes, focusing instead on addressing systemic inequalities and building communities that reflect people’s needs and aspirations.

Alberto Nardelli, Aine Quinn, Ben Bartenstein, and Jonathan Browning uncover the role of floating armories in sustaining Russia’s lucrative oil trade despite international sanctions. The UK has been working to remove these weapons but faces significant challenges in curtailing Russia's profits.

To track the different ways in which governments seek to dominate the digital sphere, Freedom House monitors their application of nine Key Internet Controls. The resulting data reveal trends in the expansion and diversification of these constraints on internet freedom.

Data collection has begun for the 2nd edition of the Global Data Barometer. This edition aims to provide updated insights into data governance, access, and use worldwide. A recent blog outlines key updates and improvements from the first edition, emphasizing its role in promoting data transparency.

Last week we featured a new report from the UK Treasury on tackling offshore tax compliance. TaxWatch offer a critique that emphasizes the scale of tax avoidance - £300 million tax lost to non compliance by UK resident individuals on offshore accounts in 2018-19 alone, which is almost certainly a “gross underestimate.”

FROM OUR MEMBERS 

HEWLETT FOUNDATION: Several open positions and career ortunities the information here. 

OPEN SOCIETY FOUNDATIONS: Affirmed in the wake of the US election results that the Foundations “have long worked to build a more inclusive and equitable democracy in the United States. Today, they are still driven by and will not waver from our core values of justice, democratic governance, and human rights for all.”

LUMINATE: Join their team with these two open positions: Strategic Litigation Lead and Director of Latin America.

FORD FOUNDATION: Is joining CIVITATES to support their work on enforcing the Digital Services Act at the national level, and is hiring for a program officer to lead a fascinating portfolio working on both natural resource governance and climate change issues as well as strategies to counter gender-based violence in West Africa.

ESSENTIAL LISTENING!

Reuters reports on Mexico’s proposed reform to abolish autonomous bodies like INAI, raising concerns over the protection of personal data and government transparency. Julieta del Río, commissioner of the Institute for Transparency, warns that transferring these responsibilities to administrative courts could weaken accountability. Listen in Spanish.

TOOLS AND TRENDS FOR FUNDERS

The Kenyan government’s recent decision to grant the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation diplomatic immunity has ignited debate on power dynamics, accountability, and the potential implications for governance. Critics question the timing of this move and its broader impact on the philanthropic sector. While the Gates Foundation has clarified that these privileges are meant to streamline operations, the controversy highlights the delicate balance between facilitating philanthropy and maintaining oversight.

Shamal Idriss argues that instead of striving for neutrality, we should encourage people to seek common ground. Idriss emphasizes that common ground doesn't imply compromise on core values but provides a foundation for understanding and progress.

Lisa Jordan of the DRK Foundation emphasizes that effective collaboration is driven by mid-level leadership rather than top-down directives. In her piece for Alliance Magazine, Jordan explores how this approach fosters innovation, shared ownership, and sustainable partnerships, urging funders to rethink traditional hierarchies in their collaborative efforts.

Localization remains a hot topic in development, but as Ranil Dissanayake highlights, it comes with significant challenges, particularly in balancing power dynamics and ensuring accountability when donors rely on local partners. Our recent blog explores how grantmaking through Global South-based intermediaries can bridge some of these gaps, yet questions about true ownership persist. 

ESSENTIAL READING!

The Associated Press reports that 29 children in Nigeria could be sentenced to death for participating in protests against the country’s worsening cost-of-living crisis. This alarming case highlights the escalating crackdown on youth-led demonstrations, raising urgent concerns about human rights and the treatment of young activists.

FOCUSED TOPIC OF THE WEEK:

Green Accountability: Lessons for a Just Transition and Beyond

As the world convenes for COP29, the urgency of a just green transition is clear. The shift to renewable energy must not only tackle the climate crisis but also ensure equity and fairness, especially between the Global North and South. This must extend to shared benefits for development renewable energy supply chains. A recently published Policy Brief for T20 Brasil, with expert contributions, including from TAI’s Michael Jarvis, highlights the need for greater transparency, participation and accountability in these supply chains if they are to avoid perpetuating exploitation and undermining the very principles of sustainable development.

Systemic barriers further complicate progress. Investment treaties and ISDS provisions often hinder governments from enacting climate policies. The Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment’s report, “Breaking Free”, offers critical guidance for reforming or exiting these treaties, enabling governments to reclaim the policy space necessary for urgent climate action. Removing these barriers is essential to align global economic systems with sustainability goals.

At the grassroots level, the first awardees of the Green Accountability Platform in Bangladesh, Brazil, Cameroon, Mexico, and Senegal exemplify the power of local action. These initiatives hold governments and corporations accountable, ensuring that climate policies respond to the needs of those most affected. Their work will hopefully demonstrate how community-driven efforts can bridge the gap between global commitments and local realities.

 

Let’s embed accountability, trust and equity at the core of climate response strategies.

HAVE YOUR SAY!

UNDP is seeking input from global stakeholders as it formulates its Strategic Plan for 2026-2029. Given UNDP’s extensive governance programming across the globe, this plan will be pivotal in shaping priorities such as sustainable development, institutional reform, and democratic governance. Participate in the e-discussion and contribute your insights to influence their strategy.

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