The World Trade Organization chief, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been reappointed for a second term at a special meeting on Friday, 29 November 2024.
Her second tenure will coincide with United States President-elect Donald Trump’s second administration.
Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and the first African to lead the global financial organization, was unopposed in her bid for a second term.
“The organisation’s 166 members today agreed to give incumbent Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala a second term as director-general,” read a statement from the WTO.
While reacting to the reappointment, the 70-year-old economic guru expressed gratitude and determination.
“I am deeply honoured by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 Members. It is a privilege to continue serving as Director-General for a second four-year term,” Okonjo-Iweala said in a statement published on the WTO’s website.
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“As we look ahead, I remain firmly committed to delivering results that matter—results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world.”
Okonjo-Iweala was first elected to the WTO’s top position on February 15, 2021. During her tenure, she has sought to reinvigorate the organization by stressing its role in addressing pressing global issues such as climate change and health.
Meanwhile, analysts expect the road ahead for the three-decade-old WTO will be challenging, likely characterised by trade wars with Trump, who returns to the White House on Jan. 20, threatening hefty tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada and China.
