One of GIFT‘s main streams of work is advancing norms on fiscal transparency. An important part of that effort was the drafting of the GIFT High-level Principles on Fiscal Transparency, Participation and Accountability that were recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 (UNGA Resolution 67/218). This resolution encouraged member states to intensify efforts to enhance transparency, participation and accountability in fiscal policies, including through the consideration of the principles set out by GIFT.
Given the limited guidance on how public entities should engage directly with the public in managing public resources (Principle 10), GIFT embarked on a substantial multi-year work program to generate greater knowledge about country practices and recent innovations in citizen engagement.
In 2016, after an extensive public consultation process, GIFT launched a new set of principles: Principles of Public Participation in Fiscal Policies.
In 2018, an Expanded Version of the High-Level Principles on Fiscal Transparency, Participation and Accountability was issued explaining the role played by the GIFT High-level Principles since 2012 in promoting greater fiscal transparency globally, as well as setting out the relationship between each of the high-level principles and the corresponding standards, norms, assessments, and country practices to which they relate. This version allows a quick overview of the multiplicity of instruments in relation to each other and finding effective entry points to the more detailed sources of information and guidance.
GIFT creates impact by providing a platform for the alignment of global norms and standards in fiscal openness. Over the years, the organization has also led the development of several guidance documents and tutorials on fiscal transparency and public participation, more specifically on open data, user-centered design for digital tools, and fiscal data in emergency responses.