By Caribbean News Global
TORONTO, Ontario - Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was chosen as seventh director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on February 15, by consensus of the General Council of the Organization.
Dr Okonjo-Iweala will become the first woman and the first African to be chosen as director-general when she assumes office on March 1, 2021. Her term, renewable, will expire on August 31, 2025. This is a very significant moment for the WTO. On behalf of the General Council, I extend our warmest congratulations to Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her appointment as the WTO s next director-general and formally welcome her to this General Council meeting, said General Council chair David Walker of New Zealand who, together with co-facilitators Amb. Dacio Castillo (Honduras) and Amb. Harald Aspelund (Iceland) led the nine-month DG selection process.
“This is a very significant moment for the WTO. On behalf of the General Council, I extend our warmest congratulations to Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her appointment as the WTO’s next Director-General and formally welcome her to this General Council meeting,” said General Council Chair David Walker of New Zealand who, together with co-facilitators Amb. Dacio Castillo (Honduras) and Amb. Harald Aspelund (Iceland) led the nine-month DG selection process. “Dr Ngozi, on behalf of all members I wish to sincerely thank you for your graciousness in these exceptional months, and for your patience. We look forward to collaborating closely with you, Dr Ngozi, and I am certain that all members will work with you constructively during your tenure as Director-General to shape the future of this organization,” he added.
The members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) made history yesterday (February 16) when the General Council agreed by consensus to select Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria as the organization’s seventh Director-General.
Nigeria s former minister Dr Ngozi appointed WTO director general
February 16, 2021 Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Nigeria s former Finance minister and former World Bank economist Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been appointed the director-general of the global giant World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Ngozi whose rigorous selection process was punctuated by a standoff from the administration of former US President, Donald Trump, and a postponement of the general council meeting scheduled for November 9, 2020, becomes WTO s 7
th director general.
She replaces Roberto Azevêdo of Brazil, who held the post for eight years (September 1, 2013-February 5, 2021). A decision to appoint Dr Ngozi was taken by consensus on February 15, at a special meeting of the WTO general council.