Yerevan, 25 September 2024 – UNDP Armenia organized a two-day workshop on taxation for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which concluded yesterday in Yerevan. The event brought together government officials, tax authorities, civil society, and academia to explore the critical role of taxation in achieving the SDGs.

The workshop, organized as part of the broader Tax for SDGs Initiative, addressed the pressing need to utilize tax systems for financing the SDGs, focusing on building the capacity of stakeholders to implement effective fiscal reforms. 

Participants, guided by Mrs. Natalia Pushkareva, UNDP Regional Tax for SDGs programme specialist and Laila Abdul Latif, an expert from the UNDP SDG Finance Academy, engaged in discussions on strategies to enhance domestic resource mobilization. They focused on broadening the tax base, improving tax administration, curbing evasion and avoidance, and adopting progressive tax structures. Additionally, they explored effective methods for allocating these resources to support initiatives related to the SDGs. "Addressing the knowledge gap in utilizing tax systems and policies for financing the Sustainable Development Goals should be a key focus in the development strategy of every country" said Mrs. Natalia Pushkareva.

The workshop also encouraged open dialogue, bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise from key stakeholders. This collaboration allowed participants to exchange valuable insights and engage in constructive discussions on innovative taxation strategies for a sustainable future. Through these interactions, attendees emphasized the importance of collective action in advancing the goals of sustainable development.

Mr. Tigran Tshorokhyan, Head of the Innovation and SDG Finance portfolio, emphasized the importance of taxation as a vital tool for governments in generating the resources necessary to deliver public goods and services and implement policies that promote equitable growth and development. In his opening remarks, he stated “Policymakers and tax administrators play a crucial role in addressing challenges and creating a more robust tax system by shaping policies and regulations that support the achievement of a country's Sustainable Development”. 

The event marked a significant step forward in enhancing key stakeholders' knowledge and skills to formulate tax policies and legislation, while introducing novel approaches to increase domestic revenue for SDG financing. It also encouraged policymakers and tax administrators to take action in advancing the 2030 UN Agenda.