Public finance and inclusive fiscal policy

Background

Building inclusive and sustainable economies is key to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This entails rethinking fiscal policies. A starting point is to analyse how much money is spent, how it is raised and how wisely it is used to reach short and long-term objectives. However, many Arab countries are still lagging behind in their fiscal policies and public budgets.

This initiative is designed to improve the visibility of ESCWA as a centre of excellence in the Arab region with the aim of producing innovative policy-relevant research, tools, trainings and advocacy materials, and improve the technical capacity of member States in analysing and addressing critical challenges in fiscal policy choices to advance the SDGs.

Our approach

ESCWA aims to introduce new knowledge on analysing and optimizing fiscal policies and budgeting decisions so as to rebalance public expenditure priorities in accordance with macro-fiscal targets, and promote equitable and progressive tax policies that enhance fiscal space to finance the SDGs.

The initiative enables decision makers to access innovative tools and develop cutting-edge policy-relevant research capabilities to formulate more equitable, efficient and sustainable fiscal policies in the Arab region. It provides valuable resources for policymakers, civil society organizations and the public to enhance their understanding of public finance and inclusive fiscal policy matters and contribute to informed discussions and decisions.

Our partners

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

International Monetary Fund Regional Technical Assistance Center (IMF METAC)

Our activities

ESCWA has developed relevant tools, such as the Social Expenditure Monitor (SEM), to support policy choices related to the allocation of resources for the implementation of crucial social development priorities aligned with the SDGs. ESCWA has also published assessments of tax reforms and fiscal incidences using cutting-edge analysis, and supports the formulation of equitable tax and expenditure policies. Technical cooperation workshops are organized and partnerships are mobilized to engage with decision makers and enhance their capacities in advancing policy reforms to improve the equity, efficiency and effectiveness of fiscal policy.

The initiative is also related to several publications, including: