The Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center’s seventh annual Donald C. Lubick Symposium will explore the challenges faced by developing countries that attempt to reform their tax systems and the lessons the US can learn from their experiences. It will feature a panel of expert advisers who assist nations throughout Africa, Asia, and Central and Eastern Europe in improving their tax policies and administrations. 

This year’s event is in memory of Donald C. Lubick, who passed away earlier this year, and recognizes the extraordinary assistance he provided to emerging nations that worked to develop and reform their tax systems based on the principles of efficiency, equity, and simplicity. 

The program will begin with remarks by Ambassador Stuart E. Eizenstat, who will speak about Don Lubick’s legacy. He will be followed by Philip R. West, who will talk about Lubick’s contributions to tax policy. During Lubick’s second tour of duty as the Treasury’s assistant secretary for tax policy, Eizenstat served as deputy secretary of the Treasury, and West was the international tax counsel in the Office of Tax Policy. Speaker biographies are linked here.

AGENDA

Introduction

• Tracy Gordon, Vice President of Tax Policy, Codirector and acting Robert C. Pozen Director, Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center

Opening Remarks

• Stuart E. Eizenstat, Senior Counsel, Covington & Burling
• Philip R. West, Partner, Steptoe & Johnson

Panel

• Mary Baine, Deputy Executive Secretary & Head of Member services and DRM, African Tax Administration Forum
• Victoria Perry, Visiting Professor, Oxford University
• Artur Swistak, Senior Economist, International Monetary Fund
• Howard Gleckman, Senior Fellow, Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center (moderator)

THE DONALD C. LUBICK SYMPOSIUM SERIES

The Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center established the Donald C. Lubick Symposium series in 2016 to honor Lubick’s extraordinary record in promoting better tax policy founded on the principles of efficiency, equity, and simplicity. The Tax Policy Center places a premium on clear, engaging, and accessible analysis of current and emerging policy issues. Funding supports an annual public event held every spring around Tax Day that addresses key current issues in tax policy and tax administration. The annual symposium engages policymakers, senior officials, scholars, and the media in analyses and discussions at the frontiers of tax policy.