Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala & WTO: One Good Term Deserves Another

News about the renewal of the term of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO, last Friday did not actually come as a surprise to many. There has been a consensus that she has done quite well since she became DG in 2021 and so her tenure should be extended. Also, she had no challenger for the position when she put in for a renewal of her tenure for another four years, so her reappointment was almost taken as given.

But you and I know the power play in the international system when the big countries wield their vetoes and act like elephants in the China shop. Somehow, her performance in the last three years must have convinced even ‘enemies of progress’, as our village people will say, that she indeed should be given a free hand for another four years to continue the work and reforms she has started. And there is ample evidence that she merits another term.

The General Council of the WTO therefore had no reason not to reappoint her, as it was a case of ‘one good term’ deserving another.

But what did she achieve as WTO DG? Evidence is legion.

Since her appointment in March 2021, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has made remarkable progress as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, and there are significant records to show all she has done.

For instance, in the area of reforming WTO operations, her tenure has been characterised by a vigorous push for restructuring the WTO’s operational frameworks to ensure responsiveness to modern global trade challenges, encompassing sustainability, the rising importance of digital commerce, as well as an enhancement of the operational efficacy of the organisation, particularly in relation to its dispute resolution mechanisms, which have encountered significant challenges in recent years.

On the promotion of inclusive trade, she has been a staunch advocate for trade policies that serve the interests of developing countries, striving to create a more inclusive and accessible trading environment for all member states, including issues relating to the enhancement of food security and addressing agricultural subsidies.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala also ensured the rebuilding of trust among member nations, by emphasising the need for collaborative strategies to tackle pressing global issues such as climate change and the recovery from COVID-19.

One other key area she worked hard in, is the championing of dialogues on the intersection of international trade and environmental sustainability, seeking to align trade practices with climate objectives.

Of course, the empowerment of women in trade received serious attention from her, as she emphasised the necessity for gender inclusivity, called for initiatives designed to empower women entrepreneurs, while addressing the gender disparities that persist in global trade.

These initiatives exemplified her determination to position the WTO as a more relevant and effective player in the rapidly evolving landscape of global trade.

Additionally, since taking office, the WTO DG worked closely with relevant stakeholders for the launch of the 12^th Ministerial Conference which was convened in June 2022, and the conference marked a critical stage for the Organisation, culminating in a series of agreements focusing on enhancing food security, advancing sustainable fisheries management, and addressing trade disruptions. During the conference, member countries reached a consensus to provide support for food security, ensuring that trade restrictions do not exacerbate global hunger in times of crisis. This included initiatives to reduce export bans on food products to stabilise market conditions worldwide.

Also, under her leadership, the Organization successfully finalised a landmark agreement on fisheries subsidies. This initiative is not only pivotal for curbing illegal fishing practices but also plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable environmental practices within the trade sector.

She was also pivotal to placing digital trade at the forefront of WTO discussions and she has always advocated for the establishment of a modernised framework that effectively addresses the intricacies of e-commerce, data flow, and the digital economy, with a particular focus on the needs of developing nations.

Another significant attribute of Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership is her emphasis on aligning trade with climate change efforts. She has been a proponent of policies that foster connections between trade practices and climate action, underlining the importance of sustainable practices and the incorporation of green technologies.

These milestones exemplified her impactful leadership and her unwavering commitment to modernising the WTO’s mission in response to contemporary global challenges. Her vision seeks to ensure that trade progresses in an equitable and sustainable manner that is attentive to the diverse needs of all nations.

Through all these efforts, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala was already poised to leave a lasting impact on global trade dynamics, even if her tenure was not renewed, and she has reinforced the WTO’s role in fostering a collaborative and sustainable trading environment.

There is no doubt that the WTO’s General Council and others took note of how she has impacted the world in the last three years and made the right call to reappoint her for another 4 years, with effect from September 1, 2025. And it was a consensus, as against her first appointment which was very competitive and almost cantankerous, with much political juggling and interference from leaders of some of the developed countries.

This excerpt from her acceptance speech captures the moment and what she aims to achieve further:

“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………….As we look ahead, I remain firmly committed to delivering results that matter – results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world. By promoting trade as a driver of economic growth and resilience, the WTO will continue to provide a collaborative platform for Members to address shared global challenges.”

We wish her well.

SOURCE & IMAGE CREDIT: World Trade Organization