On 22 March, we played a central role in shaping discussions on fiscal justice and economic reform at the third annual meeting of Red Futuro (“Future Network”), a growing coalition of progressive political parties from Latin America and the Caribbean. Held at the historic Argentine Theatre in La Plata, the retreat gathered more than 200 grassroots activists and political leaders from across the region, offering a unique platform to strengthen a rights-based vision for fiscal reform.

Our Associate Programme Officer on Economic Justice, Ezequiel Steuermann, joined the retreat as a technical expert and delivered a keynote address during the panel “Distributing What is Possible, Conquering What is Necessary: Social Policy and Inclusion.” Moderated by Chilean Senator Juan Ignacio Latorre (Frente Amplio), the panel featured contributions from regional leaders, including:

• Sigrid Bazán, Peruvian Senator (New Peru)
• Bettiana Díaz Rey, Uruguayan Senator (Frente Amplio)
• Sebastián Ramírez Mendoza, Mexican Undersecretary for Tourism (MORENA)
• Ruth Rafael, Political Advisor (Socialism and Liberty Party, Brazil)
• Rubén Pascolini, Undersecretary for Community Habitat of Buenos Aires Province

Amid a global backdrop of rising conservatism and austerity-driven policies, we underscored the urgency of reclaiming progressive tax agendas. Steuermann emphasised the need to tax ultra-high-net-worth individuals, curb illicit financial flows, and tackle tax evasion as essential measures to fund robust public services and respond to deepening social and environmental challenges in the region.

“Fiscal policy cannot be separated from human rights,” Steuermann argued, calling for taxation systems to be redesigned with an equity lens—one that centers climate, gender, and poverty considerations. He encouraged political actors to see taxation as a lever for structural transformation rather than just a financial tool.

We also shared updates on ongoing global negotiations, such as the UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation and preparations for the Fourth Financing for Development Conference (FfD4), which will take place later this year. In both spaces, countries from the Global South—including many from Latin America—are pushing for fairer fiscal rules, stronger accountability, and a rights-based approach to international tax governance.

In particular, we highlighted the achievements of the Fiscal Platform for Latin America and the Caribbean (PTLAC), which has been instrumental in securing the integration of human rights language into the draft UN Tax Convention. We also stressed the importance of South-South alliances, particularly with African nations, as key to strengthening the Global South’s collective voice in multilateral negotiations.

As discussions at Red Futuro made clear, there is growing political will across the region to push back against austerity and pursue a vision of fiscal justice rooted in human rights. To translate that will into action, we urge political parties and decision-makers to further embed fiscal reform into their agendas, invest in cross-sectoral advocacy, and use every available opportunity—local, national, and global—to advance a transformative economic model that works for all.