Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has announced her intention to seek a second four-year term, aiming to address “unfinished business” from her first mandate.
Okonjo-Iweala, who made history in 2021 as the first woman and African to lead the WTO, confirmed her decision in an interview with Reuters and a subsequent WTO statement. Her current term expires on August 31, 2025.
“I would like to be part of this chapter of the WTO story and I stand ready to compete for the position,” Okonjo-Iweala stated, emphasizing her commitment to delivering on key priorities. These include finalizing a deal to end harmful fisheries subsidies, achieving a breakthrough in global agriculture negotiations, reforming the WTO’s dispute settlement system, and promoting decarbonization in trade.
An early Africa-led initiative, supported by numerous countries, encouraged Okonjo-Iweala to declare her candidacy before the official November deadline. This move was seen as a strategic effort to secure her second term ahead of the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Under WTO consensus rules, her re-election is possible if no other candidates emerge and all member states support her.
Significant progress was made during Okonjo-Iweala’s first term, notably the 2022 signing of the first section of an international agreement to reduce fishing subsidies. The 166 members of the WTO still face geopolitical conflicts, however, with the organization’s dispute settlement system stuck in a deadlock that has persisted since 2019.
“It is tough, you know, very tough. There’s no getting away from that. But it’s also a job that makes me want to get out of bed in the morning,” Okonjo-Iweala admitted, acknowledging the difficulties while expressing her dedication to the role.
(Source: Punch, Reuters)
