Nairobi, Kenya – As the third round of UN Tax Convention negotiations concludes today, Greenpeace is calling on countries to step up their ambition and deliver a robust and ambitious treaty that can finally set fairer and more equitable global tax rules.[1]

Nina Stros, Senior Policy Expert, Greenpeace International and Head of Greenpeace delegation said: “The deeper we go into the UN Tax Convention negotiations, the more evident it becomes that stronger, unwavering commitment is needed in order to deliver a fairer and more equitable international tax system for sustainable development. Without effective global tax cooperation, the super-rich and polluting corporations are let off the hook for their climate damages while avoiding paying their fair share of taxes. It is the people who are picking up the tab.” 

“Negotiators need to maintain cohesion and solidarity in order to avoid the tax convention process slipping back to the failing status quo. As a delegate to the UN Tax Convention rightly noted, if we didn’t need a new way of doing things, we wouldn’t be here.”

Greenpeace is calling on countries that have already expressed political support for increasing the contributions of high-net-worth individuals and major polluters to translate that support into concrete proposals within this process. While Greenpeace welcomes the positive discussions on sustainable development, with some countries proposing stronger language on a need to integrate the polluter pays principle into the article on sustainable development, countries must raise overall ambition in their written submission expected by December 5th. 

Fred Njehu, Fair Share Global Political Lead, Greenpeace Africa, said: “It is clear the current global tax system is unfair and unjust – we are on the brink of the world’s first trillionaire while public services everywhere are being cut due to a lack of funding. This has to change. Countries must back up their public pledges to tax the super-rich and major polluters by participating constructively in the negotiations. While that follow-through is currently lacking, there’s still time to accelerate progress, cultivate political will and bring more pragmatism, commitment and bold approaches to the negotiating table.”

“Over at COP30 in Belém, countries are debating how to transition away from fossil fuels, end forest destruction and assure adequate climate finance, when the UNTC – if negotiated with ambition – could actually be a space to unlock missing trillions in public funds for climate action, nature protection and public services. No country can afford to ignore this historic opportunity for agreeing on a global tax system that can finally put people and the planet first.”

On 8 November, hundreds of volunteers from Greenpeace Africa formed a giant human banner in the shape of the African continent and displayed a printed message Tax the Super-rich for People and Planet to demand urgent tax reform at the UN Tax Convention negotiations. Greenpeace International had taken up a billboard in Nairobi presenting a giant bill and asking for negotiators to make polluters pay. 

ENDS

Photos and videos for both activities available for download via the Greenpeace Media Library.

Notes:

[1] Greenpeace International’s demands and expectations of the INC-3 in this media briefing on the UN Tax Convention.

Contacts:

Greenpeace spokespeople are available in English, German and Swahili. 

Lee Kuen, Global Comms Lead – Fair Share, Greenpeace International, [email protected]

Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]