WTO Confirms Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Sole Candidate for Second Term
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WTO Confirms Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Sole Candidate for Second Term
Director-General’s Reappointment Process Reaches Key Milestone
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has confirmed that Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current Director-General, is the only candidate nominated for reappointment to the position for a second term. In an official statement released on Saturday, the WTO disclosed that Okonjo-Iweala had expressed her willingness to serve a second four-year term as Director-General on September 16, 2024.
Nomination Process Concludes Without New Candidates
The process for selecting the next Director-General formally began on October 8, 2024, with the WTO inviting member states to submit nominations by the November 8 deadline. However, in a message to WTO members, Petter Olberg, Chair of the WTO General Council, confirmed that no other nominations were received by the close of the submission period. As a result, Okonjo-Iweala remains the sole candidate for the position.
Under the WTO’s established procedures for appointing the Director-General (WT/L/509), Olberg was required to announce the consolidated list of candidatures following the nomination deadline. The statement outlined that the only candidacy received was from Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the incumbent Director-General. The notification of her candidacy was circulated to all WTO members alongside Olberg’s communication, dated September 16, 2024.
The WTO further noted that the General Council Chair would soon provide members with additional information about the next steps in the appointment process.
Okonjo-Iweala’s Current Term and Historic Appointment
Okonjo-Iweala’s current term as Director-General is set to conclude on August 31, 2025. Since her appointment on February 15, 2021, she has made history as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO, breaking new ground in an organization that has long been dominated by male leadership.
Her appointment was initially delayed during the Trump administration, which blocked her candidacy in favor of South Korea’s Yoo Myung-hee. However, after Donald Trump lost his bid for re-election in November 2020, the incoming Biden administration shifted its support to Okonjo-Iweala. Her eventual confirmation as Director-General marked a significant moment for the WTO and the global trade community.
A Critical Moment for the WTO
As the WTO navigates global economic challenges and debates around trade policy, Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership has been seen as a stabilizing force, bringing renewed focus to multilateral trade relations. Her potential second term is expected to continue her efforts to reform and strengthen the organization, which has faced growing pressure to adapt to the complexities of the modern global economy.
The WTO will now await the next steps in the process, as Okonjo-Iweala remains the only candidate for the position.
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