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    ATI/ITC Tax and Development Conference 2019

    2-4 July 2019 / Berlin, Germany

    The ATI/ITC Tax and Development Conference 2019 brought together more than 150 stakeholders cooperating with the International Tax Compact (ITC) and working in the area of domestic revenue mobilisation (DRM), most notably in the context of the Addis Tax Initiative (ATI). The conference provided a neutral setting for broad-based discussions on topics related to tax and development, while setting the focus on the needs and priorities of partner countries. In particular, participants had the opportunity to learn about issues faced by partner countries, development partners and relevant organisations, to benefit from the sharing of experiences, and to identify opportunities for collaboration and synergies in this field.

    Participants of the ATI/ITC Tax and Development Conference 2019 included representatives from 34 different countries. These included 29 representatives from 16 ATI partner countries, and 47 representatives from 14 ATI development partners and 25 representatives from 10 ATI supporting organisations. Further, six regional and international tax networks were represented at the conference, five of which are members of the Network of Tax Organisations (NTO), as well as 13 different think tanks and academic organisations and 12 civil society organisations. The United Nations (UN), World Bank Group (WBG) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), as well as the Platform for Collaboration on Tax (PCT), Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB) and the International Budget Partnership (IBP), were also represented.

    The ATI/ITC Tax and Development Conference 2019 provided a platform allowing diverse voices to be heard and new synergies to be built between partner countries and development partners. It allowed to reflect on the progress made in enhancing domestic revenue mobilisation in partner countries and fostering coherent development and tax policies. With 2020 approaching, the conference also aimed to explore how to develop the Addis Tax Initiative further to best accommodate the changing needs and priorities of its stakeholders in the future.

    The conference was jointly organised by the Addis Tax Initiative and the International Tax Compact, with financial support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), European Union, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (BZ) and Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic.

    CONFERENCE REPORT

    Programme

    Please find here the detailed programme for download. Registration for the conference is on invitation only. Do not hesitate to contact us in case there are further questions.

    Format

    The conference programme will combine different formats and will be as interactive as possible, in order to give all stakeholders the opportunity to connect with each other, present their country/organisation, and articulate their respective needs and perspectives.

    Panel discussions will provide insights from relevant stakeholders on specific topics related to tax and development, while allowing for an active participation and input by the participants.

    Two rounds of breakout sessions will give all participants the opportunity to discuss topics in more detail. The first round of breakout sessions will give participants the chance to address technical topics related to domestic revenue mobilisation and share their experiences with others. The second round will deal with cross-cutting topics related to tax and development.

    Short pitching sessions will be organised throughout the event as a way to promote “matchmaking” between partner countries and development partners, where ATI partner countries and ATI supporting organisations will be able to promote their requests for support.

    A market place will provide the opportunity for all stakeholders and participants to present themselves, network with one another and share good practices, lessons learnt, and relevant information with interested parties. If you are interested in having a market stand during the market place, please contact us.

    Lastly, an open space will allow participants to meet in smaller groups or to organise their own session to present or discuss specific issues of interest. Rooms are limited. If your organisation or initiative is interested in using the slot and rooms provided during the open space for a side event or back-to-back meeting, please contact us.

    Languages

    The official languages of the ATI/ITC Tax and Development Conference 2019 are English, French and Spanish. Simultaneous interpretation will be available during all plenary sessions and during selected breakout sessions.

    Registration

    Registration for the conference is on invitation only. Please contact us if you wish to participate but have not received an invitation.

    Logistics

    Registration for the conference is on invitation only. Please find here the logistical note for download. Do not hesitate to contact us in case there are further questions.

    Accommodation

    Rooms with preferential room rates are available at the conference hotel (Sheraton Berlin Grand Hotel Esplanade) until 15 June 2019. After that date, the rates might vary. Early reservation is recommended as the preferential room rates are subject to availability. The booking code will be provided to participants after the registration is confirmed.

    Further possibilities for accommodation can be found on the official Berlin Tourism Site.

    Date and Venue

    The ATI/ITC Tax and Development Conference 2019 will be held from 2 to 4 July 2019 at

    Sheraton Berlin Grand Hotel Esplanade
    Lützowufer 15
    10785 Berlin
    Germany

    E info@sheratonberlinesplanade.com
    T +49 30 25478 - 0

    Rooms with preferential room rates are available for conference participants (see Accommodation).

    Funding

    Participants from partner countries can apply for funding during the registration process. Please note that distribution of funding is dependent on funds available. Moreover, note that funding can only be provided to cover flight costs and accommodation in the conference hotel. The funding does not cover per diems and travel costs in Berlin. Please make sure to apply for the conference and funding in due time in order to ensure that there is enough time to make travel and accommodation arrangements. Late application might affect the possibility of receiving funding. Please contact us if you have any questions with respect to funding.

    Health Insurance

    Participants are expected to make their own medical insurance arrangements before entering Germany.

    Internet

    Free Wi-Fi is available for all guests at the conference location. The password will be provided.

    Money and Banking

    Euros can be changed or withdrawn at Berlin-Tegel Airport (TXL) or Berlin Schoenefeld Airport (SXF). Numerous ATMs and bank offices are located within walking distance from the hotel. While most shops accept credit or debit cards, many restaurants and cafés do not.

    Registration

    Registration for the conference is on invitation only. Please contact us if you wish to participate but have not received an invitation.

    Sightseeing

    Berlin has much to offer in terms of sightseeing. Find more information on the official Berlin Tourism Site.

    Transportation

    Please be notified that no transfer is offered to/from the hotel. Participants must arrange their own transportation from the airport/main train station to the conference venue and/or their respective hotels. Please find below all relevant information.

    Public transport

    From Berlin-Tegel Airport (TXL), buses X9 and 109 go directly to the station “Bahnhof Zoologischer Garten”. From there, it is only a short walk or bus ride to the conference venue. The journey from the airport will take about 45 minutes, depending on the traffic. The ticket tariff is €2.80 – zone AB. 

    From Berlin-Schönefeld Airport (SXF), RE7 or RB14 trains leave regularly from Schönefeld station and arrive at Bahnhof Zoologischer Garten. From there, it is only a short walk or bus ride to the conference venue. The journey from the airport will take about an hour, depending on the traffic. The ticket tariff is €3.40 – zone ABC.

    From Berlin Hauptbahnhof S5, S7, S75 or RB14, RE1, RE2, RE7 trains leave regularly to the station “Bahnhof Zoologischer Garten”. Participants can take the bus 100 from “Bahnhof Zoologischer Garten” and continue to the station “Lützowplatz”. From there, it is only a short walk to the conference venue. Alternatively, it is a 25-minute walk to the Sheraton Berlin Grand Hotel Esplanade from “Bahnhof Zoologischer Garten”. The ticket tariff is €2.80 – zone AB. 

    Further information on itineraries, timetables, fares etc. is available on the site of Berlin Public Transport Service.

    Taxi

    Taxi stands are located at both airports and at the main train station. Taxis are usually available round the clock. The following direct telephone number will ensure arrival within minutes:

    Taxi Funk Berlin: +49 (0) 030 44 33 22

    Funk Taxi Berlin : +49 (0) 030 26 10 26 

    Eco Taxi (eco-friendly): +49 (0)30 210 10 20

    The mobile application MyTaxi is widely used in Germany and can be downloaded using here.

    A taxi from Berlin-Tegel Airport (TXL) will cost you approximately 25EUR and will take 20 minutes if traffic is not too heavy.

    A taxi from Berlin-Schönefeld Airport (SXF) will cost you approximately 45EUR and will take 30 minutes if traffic is not too heavy.

    Visa Requirements

    Please be advised that it is the responsibility of participants to obtain a visa to enter Germany, if necessary, and that delegates are responsible for their own visa arrangements. Participants in need of an entry visa are requested to apply for it with a valid passport and the required additional documents at the nearest German mission/representation. Please consult the nearest German Embassy or Consulate for visa application deadlines and documentation required. Please ensure that your application is done well in advance and indicate during the registration process whether you need an official invitation letter for your visa application. Further information for visa application can be found here.

    Weather

    Berlin in the month of July is characterised by high temperatures, with daytime temperatures hovering around 24°C.

    About the Addis Tax Initiative

    The Addis Tax Initiative (ATI) is a multi-stakeholder partnership that assembles more than 50 countries and organisations committed to step up their efforts to enhance the mobilisation and effective use of domestic revenues in partner countries. Joining the Addis Tax Initiative helps partner countries to increase reliance on domestic revenues to fund their development agenda and meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

    The Addis Tax Initiative stresses the importance of promoting policy coherence, establishing strong domestic governance systems and mobilising the political will to drive forward tax policy and system reforms. It plays a coordinating role between its members to increase the volume and quality of technical assistance as well as broad-based capacity building in partner countries. More information on the Addis Tax Initiative can be found here.

    The Addis Tax Initiative was initiated in 2015 by the governments of Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States in the course of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The International Tax Compact facilitates the Secretariat of the Addis Tax Initiative.

    About the International Tax Compact

    The International Tax Compact (ITC) is a neutral stakeholder platform that aims to enhance domestic revenue mobilisation (DRM) and to foster fair, efficient and transparent tax systems in partner countries. It promotes networking, peer learning and capacity development, bringing together a large number of stakeholders, including policymakers as well as representatives from academia, civil society organisations and the private sector working in the field of tax and development. More information about the International Tax Compact can be found here.

    The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) launched the platform in 2009 and commissioned the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) to host the ITC secretariat. Since April 2017, the European Union supports the International Tax Compact through a co-financing agreement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands provides funding for individual activities.

    In addition to hosting the Secretariat of the Addis Tax Initiative, the International Tax Compact facilitates the secretariats of the Network of Tax Organisations and the DRM Innovation Fund.

    ATI/ITC Tax and Development Conference 2017

    About

    The ATI/ITC Tax and Development Conference 2017 brought together 130 representatives from around 40 countries and more than 35 organisations.

    Documentation

    Please download the report for the ATI/ITC Tax and Development Conference 2017 here. The conference programme can be found here.