The 3rd World Bank Tax Conference, co-organized with the TaxDev Centre, brought together leading researchers and policymakers to discuss recent research on new tax instruments, including, taxes on the digital economy, and health taxes aimed at curbing unhealthful consumption, e.g., of carbonated drinks, and environmental taxes.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for many countries to raise government revenue has become more pressing as they seek to improve fiscal sustainability, while promoting equity and avoiding adversely impacting growth. These policy decisions take place in an environment with increasing temperatures and extreme weather events, and exponentially growing digital economies. Governments are exploring new tax instruments to address negative externalities and finance public goods provision in this fast-changing world.
The conference featured keynote address by Dr. Carolyn Fischer, Research Manager of the Sustainability and Infrastructure Team in the Development Research Group of the World Bank, research presentations and academic discussions, and a special session in which policymakers present on tax policy changes currently under consideration, as well as lessons learned from experiences in designing, developing political support for, and implementing new tax instruments. The 3rd World Bank Tax Conference on New Tax Instruments is supported by the Global Tax Program, the Innovations in Tax Compliance Program, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
