Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been pronounced new Director General of the World Trade Organization making her the first female and first African to lead the international body.
Her renewable term which starts on the 1st of March 2021 will expire on the 31st of August 2025.
According to General Council Chair David Walker of New Zealand,
This is a very significant moment for the WTO,” said General Council Chair David Walker of New Zealand .
“On behalf of the General Council, I extend our warmest congratulations to Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her appointment as the WTO’s next Director-General and formally welcome her to this General Council meeting.
“Dr Ngozi, on behalf of all members I wish to sincerely thank you for your graciousness in these exceptional months, and for your patience.
“We look forward to collaborating closely with you, Dr Ngozi, and I am certain that all members will work with you constructively during your tenure as Director-General to shape the future of this organization.”
Quoted in a WTO statement, Dr Okonjo-Iweala said a key priority for her would be to work with members to quickly address the economic and health consequences brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am honoured to have been selected by WTO members as WTO Director-General,” she said.
“A strong WTO is vital if we are to recover fully and rapidly from the devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I look forward to working with members to shape and implement the policy responses we need to get the global economy going again.
Walker,together with co-facilitators Amb. Dacio Castillo (Honduras) and Amb. Harald Aspelund (Iceland) led the nine-month DG selection process.
South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee was the only other remaining contender for the post but pulled out as President Joe Biden firmly supported Okonjo-Iweala’s candidacy.
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