Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has confirmed her intention to seek a second four-year term at the helm of the global trade body. This move comes after a strong push, particularly from African countries, for an early start to the re-election process. Okonjo-Iweala, who made history in 2021 as the first woman and African to lead the WTO, expressed her commitment to pursuing “unfinished business” during her next term.
“I would like to be part of this chapter of the WTO story, and I stand ready to compete for the position,” Okonjo-Iweala told Reuters on Monday. The 70-year-old former Nigerian finance minister aims to focus on several key initiatives, including finalizing negotiations on ending fisheries subsidies, advancing global agricultural agreements, and reforming the WTO’s dispute resolution system. She also underscored the importance of decarbonizing trade as part of her agenda for her second term.
Although Okonjo-Iweala has until the end of November to officially apply for re-election, the African-led campaign to secure her second term has already begun, motivated in part by securing her position before the U.S. presidential election in November. The move is supported by several nations, including the United States under President Joe Biden’s administration, which initially backed her appointment in 2021 after Donald Trump’s administration blocked her.
In response to questions about a potential challenge if Trump were to be re-elected, Okonjo-Iweala maintained a focus on the WTO’s mission, stating, “I don’t focus on that because I have no control.”
