In a move to continue her groundbreaking work, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has announced her intention to seek a second four-year term as head of the trade organisation. She made this known in an interview with Reuters on Monday, citing her desire to complete “unfinished business” from her first mandate.
Okonjo-Iweala, a trailblazer as the first female and African head of the WTO, took office in March 2021. Her current term is set to expire on August 31, 2025.
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She expressed her readiness to compete for the position, emphasizing her commitment to delivering on her priorities, including finalizing a deal on ending fisheries subsidies, achieving a breakthrough in global agriculture negotiations, reforming the WTO’s struggling dispute system, and decarbonizing trade.
With her decision to seek re-election, Okonjo-Iweala is poised to build on the progress made during her first term, navigating the complex landscape of global trade with her signature expertise and dedication.
Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the WTO’s response to pressing global challenges, and her continued tenure is expected to bring stability and progress to the organization.