Representatives from 52 member countries of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) have come together to express their backing for a proposal brought forward by the African Group within the WTO. This proposal advocates for an expedited commencement of the process to select the next Director-General of the WTO. Additionally, they have called upon the incumbent Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to formally announce her candidacy for a second term at the earliest opportunity.
These discussions took place during a session of the WTO General Council, where many delegates commended Okonjo-Iweala for her diligent stewardship and notable achievements during her initial term. As a former Finance Minister of Nigeria, she garnered praise for her proactive approach and significant contributions to advancing the WTO’s agenda amidst challenging global economic landscapes.
The widespread support from member nations underscores the recognition of Okonjo-Iweala’s effective leadership and the desire for continuity in her role to further strengthen the WTO’s impact and relevance in global trade governance.
Members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) engaged in extensive deliberations regarding the request presented by the African Group of WTO members pertaining to the reappointment process of the Director-General. This discussion was detailed in a statement obtained by THISDAY on Tuesday, highlighting the significance of the decision-making process within the WTO’s framework.
The African Group voiced a strong recommendation for Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to make herself available for a second term as Director-General. Emphasizing the importance of continuity and leadership stability, they proposed that the process for her reappointment commence promptly to ensure a seamless transition and sustained momentum in advancing the WTO’s agenda.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who assumed office as the seventh Director-General of the WTO on March 1, 2021, made history as the first woman and the first African to hold this prestigious position. Her current term is scheduled to conclude at the end of August 2025, with eligibility for an additional four-year term based on her impactful tenure and demonstrated leadership.
Reflecting on the endorsement and support received from WTO members, Okonjo-Iweala conveyed gratitude for the confidence placed in her leadership and commitment to advancing global trade objectives. The endorsement underscores the collective recognition of her effective stewardship and the pivotal role she plays in navigating complex global economic challenges within the WTO framework.
The deliberations underscored the consensus among WTO members regarding the critical importance of leadership continuity and effective governance to address the evolving dynamics of international trade. The call for Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment reflects a unified commitment to building upon her achievements and fostering a conducive environment for global trade cooperation and development.
As discussions continue within the WTO General Council and among member states, the outcome of these deliberations will shape the future direction of the WTO under Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership, reaffirming the organization’s role as a cornerstone of global economic governance and multilateral cooperation.
During the meeting, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the WTO, emphasized the collaborative nature of her accomplishments, stating, “Everything that I’ve accomplished, we’ve accomplished together.” She acknowledged the seriousness with which she regarded the members’ call for her to consider serving another term and expressed her favorable inclination towards their request. She assured members that she would provide clarity on her intentions in the near future.
Petter Ølberg, the General Council Chair from Norway, noted the unanimous, broad, and strong support expressed by members for Okonjo-Iweala to make herself available for reappointment and to commence the process promptly. He committed to engaging with delegations in the coming days and weeks to further discuss and advance this process.
During the session, Brazil presented a proposal titled “Moving Agriculture Negotiations Forward — Draft Decision” for adoption by the General Council. This proposal outlines a comprehensive work program aimed at achieving substantial progress and balanced outcomes in agriculture negotiations by the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) anticipated to be held in Cameroon.
Forty-three delegations participated in discussions on the Brazil proposal. Many delegations commended Brazil for its efforts in crafting the work program and expressed support for adopting the proposal, viewing it as a solid foundation for advancing negotiations post-summer break. However, some delegations raised concerns regarding both the process and substance of the proposal, emphasizing the need to better align with priorities identified by the African Group.
These developments underscore the active engagement and diverse perspectives within the WTO as members work towards consensus on critical issues, reflecting the organization’s commitment to inclusive and collaborative decision-making in global trade governance.
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