Okonjo-Iweala seeks second term as WTO Director-General

Okonjo-Iweala seeks second term as WTO Director-General

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has officially declared her intention to seek a second four-year term.

Her announcement follows strong support from 58 member countries, particularly from the African Group of the WTO, which endorsed her bid for reappointment.

In a statement to Reuters, Okonjo-Iweala expressed her readiness to “compete” for the position, noting that her focus for the next term would be on delivering results and addressing “unfinished business” within the organization.

“I would like to be part of this chapter of the WTO story and I stand ready to compete for the position,” she said.

Her first term as DG, which began in March 2021, faced early challenges, including opposition from the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, which initially blocked her appointment.

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The U.S. favored South Korea’s Yoo Myung-hee at the time, arguing the WTO needed someone with direct experience in the field. However, following Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 U.S. presidential election, Okonjo-Iweala secured U.S. support and assumed office on March 1, 2021.

Reflecting on her tenure, Okonjo-Iweala admitted the role has been tough, largely due to ongoing geopolitical tensions between the 166 WTO member states.

Despite these challenges, she remains passionate about the job, stating, “It’s also a job that makes me want to get out of bed in the morning.”

Her current term is set to conclude in August 2025, and she is eligible for re-election.

With a career that includes two terms as Nigeria’s finance minister and top leadership roles at the World Bank, Okonjo-Iweala’s experience places her in a strong position as she prepares for the next chapter of her WTO journey.

Okonjo-Iweala seeks second term as WTO Director-General