A guest lecture by international expert in finance and economics Priscilla Toffano, who has been working at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) since 2013, took place at the State Tax University.
The event generated high interest among students who attended the meeting to personally communicate and discuss current economic policy issues with the International Monetary Fund specialist.
The guest began her speech with a historical overview, introducing the audience to the founding of the IMF as the institutional basis of the modern global monetary system and its operational policy.
During the lecture, Priscilla Toffano raised important topics, including:
- Current issues of fiscal policy in Ukraine and the positive changes that have occurred in the country in recent years.
- Ensuring adequate revenues to finance state needs.
- Minimizing fiscal risks.
- Aligning fiscal practices with EU norms.
During the lecture, the expert emphasized progress in a number of important areas, including:
- Effective management of state investments.
- Modernization of tax authorities: introduction of functional organization, creation of a single legal unit and fiscal risk management department, improvement of auditing and digitalization.
- Optimization of tax policy: quantitative assessment and streamlining of tax benefits, expansion of the tax base, and clear delineation of responsibilities between the Ministry of Finance and the State Tax Service.
During the conversation, the students actively asked the guest questions and participated in discussions.
The youth were interested in the speaker's opinion on globalization processes and issues related to Ukraine receiving funding. The students asked about the sources for our country to repay international credit obligations, particularly at the expense of the aggressor, and how to minimize corruption risks. Ms. Tofano noted that changing the situation for the better depends on the youth, especially those sitting in the rows in this elegant auditorium: "Either you contribute and make efforts to change the status quo, or you remain in it."
Regarding funding issues, Ms. Tofano noted the uniqueness of assistance provided by an international financial organization to a state that is in a state of war. This was made possible, not least, due to Ukraine's convincing and positive image in the world.
At the end of the lecture, the head of the university, Dmytro Serebrianskyi, thanked Ms. Tofano for her visit, the time she dedicated, and the knowledge she generously shared with the students.
It is worth noting that the visit of the IMF Representative, at her initiative, began with getting acquainted with places in Irpin and Bucha that have a tragic history with numerous civilian casualties. In addition, the guest inspected the destroyed infrastructure of the educational institution, including the Central Building. University lecturer Anton Zverev, who was at the university during the occupation and faced the enemy directly, shared sad memories.
The event took place with the assistance of the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine and with the participation of our graduate, First Deputy Minister of Finance of Ukraine Denys Uliutin. He announced that new meetings are planned soon, which will provide students with the opportunity to communicate with well-known practical specialists, helping the youth develop their potential, become stronger, and achieve high results.
