Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current director-general of the World Trade Organisation, WTO, has officially announced her intention to seek a second four-year term as the head of the global trade body.
The announcement follows strong backing from 58 member nations, including the African Group of WTO, which had earlier proposed her for another term.
In her statement, Okonjo-Iweala expressed her readiness to “compete” for the position, noting that she is eager to continue the work she started. “I would like to be part of this chapter of the WTO story and I stand ready to compete for the position,” she said in an interview with Reuters, adding that her second term would focus on delivering results and addressing unfinished business within the organization.
Okonjo-Iweala first assumed office as WTO director-general on March 1, 2021, after a heated contest that saw the Trump administration initially block her appointment, favoring South Korean candidate Yoo Myung-hee. However, the Biden administration reversed this decision, allowing Okonjo-Iweala to secure the post in February 2021.
With the U.S. presidential election looming in 2024, the possibility of a Trump return has raised questions about the WTO chief’s future prospects. However, Okonjo-Iweala dismissed concerns over political changes in the U.S., stating, “I don’t focus on that because I have no control.”
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Reflecting on her tenure so far, Okonjo-Iweala acknowledged the challenges of the role, particularly due to geopolitical tensions among the WTO’s 166 member nations. Despite the difficulties, she remains optimistic and committed to her work. “It is tough, you know, very tough. But it’s also a job that makes me want to get out of bed in the morning,” she said.
Her current term ends in August 2025, but she is eligible for re-election. Before leading the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala held prominent positions in Nigeria, serving twice as the country’s finance minister and briefly as foreign minister. She also had an extensive career at the World Bank, where she rose to the role of managing director of operations.
With her sights set on another term, Okonjo-Iweala is poised to continue navigating the complexities of global trade and pushing for reforms within the WTO.
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