The BRICS leaders’ declaration from the 17th BRICS Summit in July 2025 highlights their support for the UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation, as endorsed by BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors.
The BRICS leaders have released their declaration following the 17th BRICS Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 6 – 7 July 2025.
Regarding taxation, the declaration highlights the leaders’ endorsement of the BRICS Joint Statement, issued by the BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, in support of the United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation.
Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 6 July 2025
We will continue to cooperate to promote a fair, more inclusive, stable, and efficient international tax system fit for the 21st century. We restate our commitment to tax transparency and to fostering global dialogue on effective and fair taxation, enhancing progressivity and contributing to the efforts to reduce inequality. We aim to deepen global coordination between tax authorities, improve domestic revenue mobilisation, provide fair allocation of taxing rights and combat tax evasion and tax-related illicit financial flows. In this regard, we welcome the BRICS Joint Statement in support of the United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation and will continue to engage constructively in the negotiations of the UN Convention and its protocols. We welcome the progress in customs cooperation, notably the initiatives for implementing the Joint Action Plan towards Mutual Recognition of the Authorised Economic Operator programs, subject to such exceptions, modifications or adaptations as agreed on bilaterally. A key development in customs cooperation is the establishment of BRICS Customs Centres of Excellence and the development of Smart Customs, which we will continue to encourage.
BRICS Joint Statement in support of the United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation
Reaffirming our commitment to a multilateral order grounded in equity, sovereignty, transparency, cooperation, solidarity, and mutual respect,
Recognising the need to enhance the international tax architecture to promote tax justice, strengthen domestic resource mobilisation, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,
Undercoring that taxation can play a key role in reducing inequalities and promoting a more equitable and inclusive economic growth,
Aiming for consensus and encouraging constructive participation, with the spirit of compromise,
We support the establishment of a United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation (UNFCITC) as a decisive step to an inclusive, effective, equitable, and fair global tax architecture. The Convention represents a historic opportunity to improve international tax cooperation and ensure meaningful representation of all United Nations members, including emerging and developing economies, in the design of tax frameworks.
Inclusive and effective international tax cooperation must be based on universal principles, general objectives, and commitments to enhance mutual understanding among parties. We also recognise the role of the early protocols, serving as legal instruments and provisions that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. In this regard, we encourage active participation in the design of the two early protocols, aiming for a balanced and development-oriented approach.
By promoting a fair allocation of taxing rights under the international tax system, our cooperation will be based on tax sovereignty, building a framework that allows all countries to adapt and implement provisions in accordance with national circumstances, needs, and priorities. We will continue our efforts to make tax systems more transparent, fair, simple, and efficient, fostering balanced economic growth.
To advance commitments in line with the Terms of Reference, our efforts must promote effective mutual assistance in tax matters, improve transparency, and address tax-related illicit financial flows, as well as curb harmful tax practices and tax evasion, including by high net-worth individuals. We call on all United Nations members to join in our efforts to build fair and more inclusive tax systems fit for the 21st century.
