In a significant show of support, fifty-eight members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) have voiced their backing for an early commencement of the Director-General (DG) selection process, urging the current DG, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to seek a second term.
This call was made during a meeting of the WTO General Council on Monday, July 22, where members also discussed future negotiations on agriculture and the incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement into the WTO framework.
Broad Support for Okonjo-Iweala’s Leadership
The proposal, spearheaded by the African Group, highlighted the need for Okonjo-Iweala to declare her intentions regarding a second term and for the reappointment process to begin as soon as possible. With her current term concluding in August 2025, the African Group’s initiative aims to ensure continuity in leadership.
During the meeting, 58 members, many speaking on behalf of larger groups, praised Okonjo-Iweala’s achievements and hard work during her tenure.
Also Read: WTO: Okonjo-Iweala Gets Overwhelming Support, but USA’s Position Stalls Her Emergence as DG
The Director-General expressed her gratitude, emphasising the collective nature of the accomplishments under her leadership. She acknowledged the members’ call and indicated her favourable inclination towards seeking a second term, promising a decision soon.
“Everything that I’ve accomplished, we’ve accomplished together,” she said. The DG added that she took the call of members very seriously.
Strategic Timing Amid Political Context
The push for an expedited selection process may also be influenced by external political factors, notably the upcoming US presidential election in November.
The potential return of former President Donald Trump could complicate Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment due to the previous administration’s opposition to her candidacy.
Also Read: WTO: Six Reasons Why USA Vetoed Okonjo-Iweala
In 2020, during Trump’s presidency, the US had supported South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee for the DG position, a stance that changed with the election of President Joe Biden, who, along with the EU, backed Okonjo-Iweala.
The General Council Chair, Petter Ølberg (Norway), said that he heard unanimous, broad, and strong support, both for the current DG to make herself available and to run again, and for the process to be started as soon as possible. The Chair said he would be reaching out to delegations in the days and weeks to come.
A Milestone Leadership
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala made history in March 2021 as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO. Her tenure has been marked by efforts to revitalise the organisation and navigate the complexities of global trade amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also Read: WTO: Decision on Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala Likely to Be Made By a Biden Administration
The strong support for her second term underscores the members’ confidence in her leadership and the desire for stability and continued progress within the WTO.
Future Negotiations and Developments
In addition to the Director-General selection process, the General Council meeting also addressed important proposals concerning the future of agricultural negotiations and the formal incorporation of the IFD Agreement into the WTO framework. These discussions reflect the organisation’s ongoing efforts to adapt and address critical issues in global trade, ensuring that the WTO remains relevant and effective in a rapidly changing world.
The WTO members’ call for an early start to the Director-General selection process and their strong support for Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlights the significant strides made under her leadership.
As the organisation navigates internal and external challenges, the continuity of effective leadership remains crucial for its future success. The coming months will be pivotal as Okonjo-Iweala makes her decision and the WTO prepares for its next chapter.
