No opposition as Okonjo-Iweala seeks second term at WTO

The first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is on track to secure a second term as Director-General without facing any opposition.

The WTO chair, Norwegian Ambassador Petter Olberg, confirmed on Saturday that “no further nominations for the position” had been received by Friday’s deadline, leaving Okonjo-Iweala as “the only candidate for the role”, according to a statement.

Okonjo-Iweala, 70, announced her intention to seek a second term in September.

Her current tenure, which began in March 2021, is set to conclude in August 2025.

The appointment of the Director-General is made by consensus among the WTO’s 166 member countries, a process she successfully navigated despite initial hurdles.

During her first term, Okonjo-Iweala’s candidacy faced resistance from former United States President Donald Trump, who supported a South Korean candidate.

However, this opposition was overturned when President Joe Biden took office, clearing the path for her historic appointment.

Since taking charge, Okonjo-Iweala has focused on reinvigorating the WTO, a global trade body often criticised for bureaucratic inefficiencies and stagnation.

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