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Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am honoured to deliver opening remarks at this second and final session of the Ad Hoc Committee to Draft Terms of Reference for a United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation. 

I warmly welcome the many delegations present ¨C especially those travelling from across the world to be here, as well as those following on-line.  

I would also like to acknowledge the many other stakeholders in the room ¨C representatives from international organizations, including regional ones, civil society, academic institutions, and the private sector.  You are so important to this process. 

International tax cooperation brings together many interests, rights, and responsibilities.  The diverse interests and expertise engaged in these discussions will contribute to our success.   

Such diversity will of course, present differences in approaches and perspectives.  But let us not forget our common objectives.  This includes the desire for solutions that:
-    work for all people in the world in supporting achievement of the SDGs;
-    and are as simple, easily administered and transparent  

Last week at the Preparatory Committee meeting for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Developmentin Addis, I heard from many ministers, delegates and stakeholders the importance placed on this process. 

The broad and deep participation in this work shows the importance that inclusive and effective international tax cooperation has for countries and their development trajectory, including the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.  

Taxation is not the end in itself; it is the means to an end.  The SDGs manifest why inclusive and effective tax cooperation is in the interests of all countries and stakeholders.  

Only an international tax system that is fully inclusive will be legitimate and effective.  Such a system can properly address the challenges of strengthening domestic resource mobilization to enable all countries to raise resources and promote SDG-aligned policies. 

The Ad Hoc Committee has functioned as a platform for honest and respectful dialogue among governments and between governments and other stakeholders.  

I applaud the Ad Hoc Committee for the work you have undertaken so far to meet your mandate, showing your dedication and focus.  
Now is the time for you to make your most important decisions in this final session.  

I urge you to continue listening to each other with open ears and hearts; speaking with awareness and understanding; seeking creative solutions and building concensus.  

We look to the leadership and courage of the Ãå±±½ûµØMembership to find compromise and hope that the results of this session will have a meaningful impact on the   future of international tax cooperation. 

I wish the Committee and all participants a most successful session. 

Thank you!