Nov 05, 2019
Climate change, biodiversity loss, and degradation of natural systems threaten the economic and social systems that form the core of society. Failing to halt these crises will affect everyone, but especially the poor and marginalized, particularly women. As stewards of a country’s natural resources, governments play a key role, yet few are seriously held accountable. […]
By Jason Lakin, Head of Research, International Budget Partnership— Oct 16, 2019
Jason Lakin reviews The Triumph of Injustice: How the Rich Dodge Taxes and How to Make Them Pay by Emmanuel Saez and Gabriel Zucman
Adrienne Carter and Guillermo Herrera — Oct 10, 2019
Public budgets are the most powerful tool governments have to direct their resources to meet the needs of their people, are critical to achieving the SDGs. Unfortunately, governments often fail to fully implement their budgets according to plan. IBP and UNICEF co-hosted two panel events in New York during the UN General Assembly to discuss the importance of budget credibility to achieving the SDGs.
Sep 25, 2019
Governments around the world need to set more realistic and credible spending plans if there is any hope of achieving the ambitious agenda laid out in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
By Paolo De Renzio— Sep 06, 2019
In the first edition of the Budget Bibliophile’s Bookshelf, Paolo de Renzio reviews Taxing Africa: Coercion, Reform and Development.
By Albert van Zyl and Dustin Kramer— Aug 12, 2019
When communities can identify which specific officials are responsible for services in their area and what exactly they are supposed to be delivering – the effect is electric. It gives the issue a name, a face, and a set of responsibilities.
By Jason Lakin, International Budget Partnership— Jul 15, 2019
Interest in public participation in the budget process is increasing, and the sector could learn a lot from practices in other sectors, such as the environment. As IBP’s Jason Lakin points out, we too often stay in our silos instead of looking to other fields for lessons learned about how to increase citizen engagement.
By Jason Lakin and Chloe Cho, International Budget Partnership— Jul 12, 2019
How optimistic should we be about government commitments to invest the funds necessary to realize the Sustainable Development Goals? According to recent data, we should be worried. Government underspending of budgets is a global challenge that may impede the realization of the SDGs.
By Joy Aceron, Government Watch Philippines— Jul 09, 2019
Bottom-up budgeting (BuB) can increase civil society participation in government. However, as this analysis of the Philippine experience shows, BuB does not automatically lead to increased government responsiveness. In this case, it provided civil society with a “voice” but without “teeth.”
By Brendan Halloran and Samir Khan, International Budget Partnership— Jul 08, 2019
The negative effects of power do not go away just because a budget process invites civil society participation. In this blog post, two IBP experts recommend three specific actions that can ensure meaningful results are actually achieved for marginalized communities and groups.