Fiscal Space for Universal Health and Social Protection after the COVID19 Pandemic: How to Prevent Austerity
October 2, 2020
2020 IMF/WB Annual Meetings - Side Event
In 2020 governments have financed emergency care and urgent socioeconomic support to cope with COVID19. While this short-term expending was necessary, countries must also continue to invest in long-term universal health, social protection systems/floors and other SDGs. The funding gap remains vast and fiscal space limited given higher levels of debt and deficits in the post-COVID19 era. Adjustment cuts to social programs are not feasible; governments must look at progressive taxation, eliminating illicit financial flows and other revenue policies. In this session, we will explore all the equitable options available to countries to expand fiscal space to achieve the SDGs.
Panelists:
Isabel Ortiz, Director Global Social Justice Program, Initiative for Policy Dialogue
Myria Koutsoumpa, Global Health Advocate, Wemos
David Archer, Head, Action Aid
Cathy Pattillo, Assistant Director, Fiscal Affairs Department, IMF
Moderator: Emma Burgisser, Gender Equality and Macroeconomics Project Manager, The Bretton Woods Project
Fiscal Space for Universal Health and Social Protection after the COVID19 Pandemic: How to Prevent Austerity
497kb pdf PowerPoint Presentation |