Okonjo-Iweala wants a second term as WTO DG

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has announced her intention to seek a second four-year term as the organization's leader.

On Monday, September 16, Okonjo-Iweala declared her intention to continue her job, noting the need to address major issues that remained unanswered during her first term.

Okonjo-Iweala, a former Nigerian finance minister, is keen to expand on her historic achievement as the World Trade Organization's first female and African chairman in March 2021. Her current term is due to end on August 31, 2025.

Okonjo-Iweala's top priorities for a potential second term include completing negotiations to end harmful fisheries subsidies, moving forward with global agricultural trade talks, overhauling the WTO's struggling dispute resolution system, and advancing efforts to reduce carbon emissions in international trade.  

Okonjo-Iweala stated, “I would like to be part of this chapter of the WTO story, and I stand ready to compete for the position,” referring to a letter she intended to send to the primary decision-making body of the trade organization.

She went on, “I intend to focus on delivering for my second term,” adding that taking care of unfinished business is one of her top goals.

Although she has until the end of November to formally file for reelection, early support for her reappointment—particularly from African countries—began in July. This strategy intended to guarantee her second term before the US presidential elections in November when President Joe Biden elected not to enter the contest.

If no other candidates surface and all member nations agree, Okonjo-Iweala may be reappointed without opposition under WTO consensus procedures. 

US backing was eventually obtained by Okonjo-Iweala following Biden's inauguration in 2021.

Upon being asked if she and the WTO would succeed if Trump were to win another term in office, she responded, “I don't focus on that because I have no control.”