WTO: Ms Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala appointed new Director General
As the first woman to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO), Nigeria intends to bring a new breath and improve the living conditions of people around the world with a priority, access to the COVID vaccine.
Monday 15 February 2021, Nigerian Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was officially appointed head of the WTO!
The new Director General will take office on 1 March, with a renewable term of office until 31 August 2025.
Since its inception in 1995, the WTO has been headed by six men: three Europeans, a New Zealander, a Thai and a Brazilian (last one).
It is therefore a historical first: it is the first time that a woman, who is also from Africa, has taken over the institution's command (cf.WTO: A woman soon to lead world trade!).
This appointment, long short-circuited by Donald Trump (cf.WTO: United States blocks President's appointment!), was approached since the beginning of February following the withdrawal of his rival (cf.WTO: clear way for Nigerian candidate).
In his induction speech, Ngonzi Okonjo-Iweala outlined his priorities:
- Inflation new the organisation;
- Working in synergy with other international institutions;
- Create a favourable climate the problem of the health and economic crisis.
Finally, the WTO must first and foremost improve the living conditions of the population.
In practical terms, the new Director wishes to give priority to ensuring that free circulation of Covid vaccinesprogress on negotiations on a Trade agreement on fisheries and the digital economy, or re-start the mechanism of resolution of trade disputes the WTO.
The challenge is also to relaunch the Doha round of negotiations aimed at reforming the international trading system. The latter has been in a stalemate for several years, blocking the institution and preventing any discussion on this crucial subject.
Source(s): The World | The Tribune | The Echoes