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World Summit for Social Development
PrepCom for Copenhagen +5
New York, 3-14 April 2000
   

Friday, 7 April

Currency Transfer Taxes: Resources for Social and Sustainable Development
This event, organized by the World Council of Churches, the UN Division for Social Policy and Development, and the Canadian Council of Churches, discussed the topic of the currency transfer tax. Presenters discussed what it is, and what action is being taken to initiate discussions on the tax at the international and national levels. A Canadian proposal is before the PrepCom, proposing further study of the feasibility of a currency transaction tax, which would highlight the pros and cons of implementing such a tax. Panelists urged that the PrepCom consider the Canadian proposal for inclusion in the outcome document.

Bart Bode, International Cooperation for Development and Solidarity, Belgium,Co-Chairs Hellen Wangusa (Uganda), and Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament, Canada

Lidy Napcil, Jubilee South, the Philippines (left), explained what the tax is, stressed the importance of making the issue more understood at the grassroots level and of linking it to what is important to people at the grassroots level, and said the tax would have result in "restitution and reparation." Bart Bode (right) discussed concrete examples of where action has been taken nationally, including Chile and Malaysia, and calling to "collect nationally and allocate globally."
Wayne Easter said Canada is moving toward such a tax, as the issue has been introduced in the Canadian Parliament to begin further study of the feasibility of implementing such a tax. He said it can be done, and will take political will. He said the aim of such a tax would be to mobilize resources for social development, limit speculation and help deal with financial turbulence. He called for support of the Canadian initiative at the PrepCom to begin the process, which does not call for implementation, rather further study. He stressed the importance of taking aggressive action and of building alliances globally. Because of the nature of international financial markets, an international effort must be undertaken to make such a tax a reality.

Building Local Realities and Global Strategies
This World Bank sponsored event was chaired by PrepCom Chair Maquieira

Inge Kaul, Director, UNDP Office of Development Studies (left), discussed education as a global public good.

Sandy Schilen, Global Facilitator, Grassroots Organizations Operating Together in Sisterhood (right)

 


Linkages Coverage of the World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen
A summary of the major issues
Agenda for the Second Session of the PrepCom

Secretariat web site with official documents and information for NGO participants
Secretary-General's Report on the Implementation of the Outcome of the WSSD
Summary of the WSSD agreements
Information on the WSSD+5 Special Session
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