Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has received significant backing for a second term in office. Out of the 164 member states, 58 have endorsed a proposal from the African Group supporting her reappointment. This endorsement was announced during a recent WTO General Council meeting.
The African Group has formally requested that Okonjo-Iweala make herself available for a second term and proposed that the reappointment process commence as soon as possible. The statement highlighted the group’s collective support and urged Okonjo-Iweala to declare her intentions promptly. Many WTO members praised her hard work and accomplishments during her first term, emphasizing the positive impact of her leadership.
Expressing her gratitude, Okonjo-Iweala acknowledged the support and stated, “Everything that I’ve accomplished, we’ve accomplished together.” She indicated that she would seriously consider the call for a second term and promised to inform the member countries of her decision soon.
Okonjo-Iweala took office as the seventh Director-General of the WTO on March 1, 2021. Her initial four-year term is set to expire on August 31, 2025. As the first woman and first African to lead the WTO, her tenure has been marked by several significant achievements and initiatives aimed at addressing global trade challenges.
Before her current role at the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala had a distinguished career in both government and international financial institutions. She served as Nigeria’s finance minister twice, from 2003 to 2006 and from 2011 to 2015. She also briefly held the position of foreign minister in 2006, becoming the first woman to serve in both roles in Nigeria. Her extensive experience includes a 25-year career at the World Bank, where she rose to the position of managing director of operation
During her first term, Okonjo-Iweala has been credited with driving key reforms and initiatives within the WTO. These efforts have been aimed at making the organization more effective in addressing global trade issues and promoting inclusive economic growth.
One of the significant achievements under her leadership has been the progress in negotiating trade agreements that address critical issues such as digital trade, environmental sustainability, and fair competition. Her efforts have also focused on strengthening the WTO’s dispute resolution mechanism and enhancing transparency in global trade practices.
The support from the 58 member countries is seen as a testament to her effective leadership and the positive direction in which she has steered the organization. Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment would also signify continuity in the WTO’s efforts to address economic disruptions. Her leadership has been pivotal in coordinating global efforts to ensure the smooth flow of essential goods and services during the crisis. She has been a strong advocate for equitable access to vaccines and other critical medical supplies, highlighting the role of trade in supporting public health initiatives.
