Conference on new tax instruments

In collaboration with the World Bank, this conference brought together leading researchers and policymakers to discuss recent research on new tax instruments, including taxes on the digital economy, health taxes aimed at curbing unhealthy 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 rising temperatures and extreme weather events, and 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 a 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 where policymakers presented 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 papers and presentations from the conference are on the World Bank conference website.