St. Kitts and Nevis Elected Vice Chair of UN International Tax Cooperation Framework Convention Drafting Committee

The election of Attorney General Garth Wilkin to the Vice Chairmanship of the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiations Committee (INC-Tax) marks a significant step in St. Kitts and Nevis’s strategic engagement within the international community. This achievement aligns with the nation’s broader foreign policy objectives, spearheaded by the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, to enhance visibility and leadership within the UN system and forge crucial partnerships on the global stage. The INC-Tax was established to address critical issues regarding international tax cooperation and develop a comprehensive framework convention to govern this domain. Wilkin’s election signifies the Federation’s growing influence and commitment to shaping global dialogues on matters of economic development and international cooperation.

The formation of the INC-Tax followed the successful passage of Resolution 79/235 in December 2024, titled “Promotion of inclusive and effective international tax cooperation at the United Nations.” This resolution, co-sponsored by St. Kitts and Nevis alongside the African Group, paved the way for a member-state driven process to draft a UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation and accompanying protocols. The three-year timeline, spanning from 2025 to 2027, underscores the complexity and importance of establishing a robust and inclusive framework that addresses the multifaceted challenges of international taxation. The resolution highlights the growing recognition of international tax cooperation as a fundamental element of sustainable development and global economic stability.

Attorney General Wilkin, addressing the INC-Tax’s inaugural organizational meeting, emphasized the urgency and significance of the committee’s mandate. He underscored the need for certainty, security, and sustainability in a rapidly changing global landscape characterized by evolving geopolitical and geo-economic realities. He highlighted the interconnectedness of international tax cooperation and the financing of development, arguing that effective tax cooperation is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. His remarks reflected the Federation’s commitment to leveraging global partnerships and international frameworks to advance its national development agenda.

Wilkin further articulated St. Kitts and Nevis’s ambitious vision of achieving sustainable island state status by 2040, emphasizing trade as a key driver of this goal. He expressed confidence that the INC-Tax process, grounded in consensus and collaborative engagement, could facilitate the realization of this national objective. Drawing upon the experiences of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, he cautioned against unilateral actions that could jeopardize socio-economic growth, underscoring the importance of multilateral cooperation and collective action in navigating complex economic challenges. His statement positioned St. Kitts and Nevis as a strong advocate for collaborative and inclusive approaches to international tax cooperation.

The Attorney General’s election to the Vice Chairmanship is not solely attributable to his individual merits but also reflects the dedicated efforts of the Federation’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, led by H.E. Dr. Mutryce Williams. The Permanent Mission played a crucial role in securing this prominent position, recognizing the importance of the INC-Tax process in shaping the future of international tax cooperation, an area with significant implications for St. Kitts and Nevis’s economic development. This achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of the Permanent Mission’s strategic engagement within the UN system.

The establishment of the INC-Tax and the election of Attorney General Wilkin represent a significant shift towards a more inclusive and democratic discourse on international tax cooperation. This process aims to decolonize the existing framework, which has historically been dominated by developed nations, and ensure that the voices and interests of developing countries, like St. Kitts and Nevis, are adequately represented and considered. By actively participating in and shaping the development of the UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation, St. Kitts and Nevis is contributing to a more equitable and just international tax system that supports the sustainable development aspirations of all nations. This engagement further strengthens the Federation’s position as a responsible and influential actor on the global stage.