Okonjo-Iweala Seeks Another Term at WTO Helm Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general (DG) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has officially announced her intentions to seek another four-year term as head of the organisation.

Okonjo-Iweala announced her bid for a second term more than a month after 58 member countries supported a proposal from the African Group of WTO for her to head the organisation for another term.

The DG appreciated the support and said she would give her feedback to members soon.

In a statement to Reuters on Monday conveying her feedback, Okonjo-Iweala said she is ready to “compete”.

“I would like to be part of this chapter of the WTO story and I stand ready to compete for the position,” she said.

“For my second term, I intend to focus on delivering.”

She added that among the priorities were addressing “unfinished business”.

In 2020, the administration of former United States President Donald Trump blocked Okonjo-Iweala’s appointment – a move seen by some as an attack on an organisation he had previously described as “horrible”.

The United States said it favoured her opponent; South Korea’s Yoo Myung-hee, because the WTO needed “someone with real, hands-on experience in the field”.

However, on February 15, 2021, she secured US backing when Jeo Biden defeated Trump in the 2020 presidential election.

Speaking on the odds of getting limited chances if Trump wins the forthcoming election, she said, “I don’t focus on that because I have no control”.

Commenting on the job, the WTO chief admitted the job was difficult.

Okonjo-Iweala said the geopolitical tensions among WTO’s 166 members “was a significant challenge”.

“It is tough, you know, very tough. There’s no getting away from that. But it’s also a job that makes me want to get out of bed in the morning,” she added.

The current term of Okonjo-Iweala finishes at the end of August 2025 and is eligible for a second four-year term.