TAI Weekly

TAI Weekly|Taxed to the Max? Through the Fiscal Maze

By TAI (Role at TAI)
tax-780x470.jpg
TAI Weekly

WHAT'S NEW?

A new initiative aims to map digital public infrastructure (DPI) globally, offering a comprehensive view of its development across countries. It remains to be seen how much governance aspects of DPI will be covered in this much-needed resource.

Paraguay’s leader Santiago Peña faces mounting pressure to veto a repressive NGO law, described by critics as a significant setback for civil society in the region.

Nara Monkam highlights the urgency of addressing illicit financial flows in Africa, emphasizing the need for a cohesive strategy to promote international tax cooperation and safeguard the continent's financial resources.

Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa’s investigation reveals millions of dollars linked to former Nigerian National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki were funneled into luxury real estate in the U.S. Reporting by Premium Times reveals the scale of the misappropriation of funds intended for national security operations against Boko Haram. 

The National People’s Power party went from 3 seats in parliament to having a two thirds majority in a landslide victory in Sri Lankan parliamentary elections. Commitments to tackle corruption, recover stolen assets and restore governance were prominent parts of their platform. Expectations will be high. 

Oxfam reports $41 billion of World Bank climate finance remains unaccounted for, citing inconsistent record-keeping and implementation challenges. Calls for improved transparency and accountability grow louder.

Bright Simons exposes internal tensions at Ghana’s development bank, where efforts to implement governance reforms are reportedly being undermined amid shady dealings.

Joe Goldman of Democracy Fund urges funders to uphold commitments to civil rights and civic engagement as the U.S. transitions to a new administration, stressing the need for an ideologically diverse coalition to strengthen democracy.

Civil society groups, including the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, call on online platforms to conduct meaningful risk assessments under the EU’s Digital Services Act. Transparent reporting on risks and mitigation efforts is critical to safeguarding fundamental rights online.

Chris Beall calls for a systems approach to data governance and lays out a vision for a global platform governance model. Chris notes, “We urgently need to recognize that the information environment is an interconnected, complex system that requires a comprehensive governance approach at both the international and domestic levels.”

FROM OUR MEMBERS 

OPEN SOCIETY FOUNDATIONS: Is launching The Ideas Letter, a platform showcasing thought-provoking essays and curated pieces from The Ideas Workshop. This edition features ten original essays exploring the global implications of American decline, challenging conventional wisdom and sparking new conversations.

FCDO: Touts efforts to tackle Russian malign activity on multiple fronts. Check out steps taken in the past month alone.

ESSENTIAL READING!

In Democratic Crossroads: Transformations in Twenty First-Century Politics, Richard Youngs examines how three major crises—climate change, the Covid-19 pandemic, and geopolitical conflict—have reshaped global politics after a decade of democratic regression. He outlines challenges and opportunities facing democracy in a rapidly changing world.

TOOLS AND TRENDS FOR FUNDERS

As the U.S. approaches a new administration, Paul Donato, President of Proteus Fund, shares five actionable tips for funders. His guidance includes supporting nonprofit safety and compliance, investing in mental health infrastructure, and thinking holistically about sector-wide needs. Donato calls on funders to be bold and proactive in navigating the shifting political landscape.

Philanthro-capitalism is gaining traction in African philanthropy, blending technocratic approaches with government collaboration to address pressing social issues. However, such partnerships may challenge philanthropy’s ability to hold governments accountable. Striking a balance between cooperation and accountability remains a critical challenge.

Devex highlights 19 organizations demonstrating the power of locally led development to address complex challenges in diverse contexts. This approach aligns with TAI's ongoing research and Paula Castells Carrión’s work on intermediaries and forthcoming case studies exploring localized solutions.

Phil Buchanan of the Center for Effective Philanthropy addresses misconceptions about trust-based philanthropy, emphasizing that trust and strategy are not mutually exclusive but complementary. Trusting relationships, as highlighted by a recent Bridgespan paper, are essential for achieving shared goals and maximizing impact.

ESSENTIAL WATCHING!

ICYMI watch the launch of the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2024. Rule of law remains a vital foundation for tackling global challenges. This video recaps insights on human rights, corruption, and people-centered justice from 142 countries and jurisdictions, representing 95% of the world’s population.

FOCUSED TOPIC OF THE WEEK:

Tax matters - from climate to eductation to the social contract

For those trying to negotiate a new climate finance goal in Baku, one important component will be the role that “solidarity levies” - taxes - can play. There is much discussion of the potential of new taxes, such as on shipping or the super rich, to provide new funds for climate action. Of course, one big win would be to follow through on past promises to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies, tax expenditures that worsen the climate situation.

One warning sign for the potential of new taxes comes from the State of Tax Justice 2024. Tax Justice Network researchers make clear how much effort still goes into tax avoidance - meaning countries are losing close to half a trillion US dollars collectively, with many of those losing most (such as the United States) among those who enable the problem. 

How might those missing funds make a difference? Take the example of education. As Mark Bou Mansour details, a new report finds that proposals to apply a small wealth tax on the richest 0.5% and to clamp down on tax abuse would raise enough revenue to provide an education to the 72 million primary school aged children estimated to be out of school. You can imagine similar contributions on health, environment, care. 

It doesn’t help that funding to support tax reform efforts is limited, especially for those in civil society demanding tax justice. As TAI has shown, the  landscape of international funding for fiscal transparency is shifting. As donor priorities evolve and funding challenges emerge, the need for innovative approaches to support fiscal governance becomes increasingly urgent. Our  Fund Fiscal initiative is looking to raise funder attention to the importance of equitable and accountable fiscal policy. Look out for our forthcoming Fiscal Space site to support funder learning on these issues. 

ESSENTIAL LISTENING

In the latest episode of the podcast Reimagining Government, co-hosts Adrian Brown and Pierre Berastain explore why people choose careers in government and public service. Featuring Leina’ala Nakamura (City of Honolulu) and Pierina Ana Sanchez (NYC Council), they discuss personal motivations, challenges, and the impact of lived experience in public service.

JOBS

CALLS

  • Human rights community Call for short stories: Submit stories that offer accurate depictions of surveillance tech for a new toolkit. Five will be published, and one author will win a trip to RightsCon 2025 in Taipei. Deadline 21 November 2024

  • Apply now to join People Powered's Accelerators on climate action, democracy, marginalized communities, and public participation. Deadline 24 November 2024

  • Join the Mainstreaming Participation Accelerator (MPA) program in 2025, hosted by People Powered, the Institute for Public Finance, and Open Government Partnership. 

  • The Inter-American Foundation (IAF) and the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) invite applications for their Research Fellowship Program on community-led development in Latin America and the Caribbean. Apply by December 3, 2024.

  • Pulitzer Center seeks Rainforest Investigations Fellows [Africa, Asia, South America]. Experienced investigative journalists based in the Congo Basin, Southeast Asia and the Amazon. Deadline: Dec 31, 2024.

  • OECD Anti-Corruption Research Challenge. Call for new evidence to strengthen anti-corruption and public integrity systems. Deadline 5 January 2025

  • The Amazonia+ call seeks a managing organization for local forest governance projects led by women and youth in the Amazon. Grants up to 400,000 Euros for 10 projects. Deadline 19 March 2025

  •  USAID Global Accountability Program. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until 31 March 2025

  • Working on the political economy of aid and development? Join PEADS2025, April 23-24, 2025 in Pitlochry, Scotland. 

CALENDAR

We’d love to hear from you on how we can further improve TAI Weekly to better serve your needs in program management on the transparency, accountability, improved grantmaking and civic space. Please direct your feedback to [email protected] or

SUBSCRIBE TO TAI WEEKLY

Don't miss our latest publications Subscribe now to get our notifications