Financial Transparency Coalition

I run the international development program at SAIS, at Johns Hopkins, and for the last several years I’ve been involved in governance issues because it does seem to me that the development community has finally woken up to the importance of good governance and institutions. Obviously, the fight against corruption is a key part of this agenda. I think there is a very broad consensus that has fallen into place over the last decade or so about just how detrimental corruption is in undermining the legitimacy of democratic institutions and in impeding growth.

The Task Force on Financial Integrity and Economic Development has released a draft agenda for its upcoming conference, “Increasing Transparency in Global Finance: A Development Imperative” which will be held at the Hilton Embassy Row in Washington, DC on Septemeber 16 and 17. The current global financial crisis marks a rare moment when the interests of developing and developed countries are closely aligned. This conference will highlight how a common approach to greater financial transparency can benefit rich and poor nations alike. Speakers will address country-by-country reporting of income and tax paid by multinational corporations, listing beneficial ownership...