The FINANCIAL -- Addressing growing inequalities is now at the centre of the political debate and all countries are taking different actions to address it.

Increasing inequality reaches far beyond economic implications, raising a number of political and ethical questions which have wide-ranging consequences for the future of all societies.


Globalisation and the sustainable growth path of many economies in transition and developed countries have produced impressive results in terms of economic growth, social development and poverty reduction.  However, the benefits of stronger growth have not always been shared equally and income inequality has remained at very high levels. Achieving greater equality as a key to social cohesion remains a priority for every society.

Participants in the International Tax Dialogue 4th ITD Global Conference on Tax and Inequality, held in New Delhi, India on 7-9 December 2011, discussed the role of taxation in reducing inequalities in income and wealth. The conference tried to identify which policies have failed and which could play a greater role in reducing inequalities in the future.


More than 400 senior tax policymakers and administrators from almost 90 countries participated in this event hosted by the Finance Ministry of India and organised by the International Tax Dialogue. The ITD is a joint initiative of various organisations working on tax issues – the IMF, the OECD, the World Bank , the European Commission, the IADB, and CIAT. The global conferences of the ITD have established a reputation of providing a unique opportunity for those engaged in making decisions about tax to discuss global issues.

During a comprehensive two and a half day programme, conference participants addressed the tax issues raised by economic developments and globalisation that have affected the distribution of income, wealth, and living standards within and between countries over recent years. Income inequality between countries has diminished significantly as economic reform in many emerging economies has spurred growth, significantly reducing levels of absolute poverty globally. However, recent decades have also seen significant changes in the distribution of both wealth and incomes within countries, with notable increases in the share of income enjoyed by those at the very top of the income distribution in many countries. A rising tide has not lifted all boats.


The structural linkages between growth and inequality raise difficult issues about how best to raise taxes in a way which contributes to both growth and equitable development. The financial crisis has further impacted on the underlying trends affecting poverty and inequality globally. Sharp rises in unemployment – and therefore significant losses of income for individuals – in many countries are likely to take a long time to be reversed.

The fiscal pressures to increase revenues and need to reduce debt levels in many, principally developed,  countries require tough decisions on how far to increase taxes and where to make cuts in public expenditures. The impact on inequality is a crucial consideration for Finance Ministers.


The ITD and its partners believe that facilitating international dialogue on tax policy and administration is important if countries are to make the right informed decisions that reflect their own unique circumstances. We are working together to provide support to countries in developing and implementing tax administration and policy reforms.

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