Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the trailblazing Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), is poised to secure a second term without opposition. As the first African and woman to lead the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala has made significant strides since taking office in March 2021.
Her intention to seek re-election was announced in an interview with Reuters, citing “unfinished business” from her first term. With her current term set to expire on August 31, 2025, Okonjo-Iweala has until the end of November 2024 to formally apply for another term.
Notably, Okonjo-Iweala’s path to a second term has been smoothed by the lack of opposition. The African Group has already endorsed her re-election, with 58 WTO member states voicing their support. This early momentum suggests a strong likelihood of her re-election.
Her key priorities for second tenure include:
- Finalizing a deal to end fisheries subsidies
- Advancing global agriculture negotiations
- Reforming the WTO’s struggling dispute settlement system
- Promoting decarbonization in trade
Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership has been marked by significant achievements, and her re-election would ensure continuity and progress on these critical issues. As she navigates her second term, the global trade community will be watching with interest.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a renowned Nigerian economist, has been making waves as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization since March 2021. She’s the first woman and first African to hold this position.
Her impressive background includes serving as Nigeria’s Finance Minister twice, from 2003 to 2006 and 2011 to 2015, and briefly as Minister for Foreign Affairs in 2006. Okonjo-Iweala also had a 25-year career at the World Bank, rising to become Managing Director for Operations.
As Director-General of the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala aims to promote global trade and economic growth. Her leadership has been marked by significant achievements, including advancing global agriculture negotiations and reforming the WTO’s dispute settlement system.
Her Key Achievement include:
- First woman and first African to lead the WTO
- Served as Nigeria’s Finance Minister twice
- 25-year career at the World Bank
- Advancing global agriculture negotiations
- Reforming the WTO’s dispute settlement system
Okonjo-Iweala has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including being listed as one of the 50 Greatest World Leaders by Fortune in 2015 and one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in the World by TIME in 2014 and 2021.
Key phrase: Okonjo-Iweala seeks second term as head of World trade Organization
