New WTO Boss advocates “deep, wide-ranging reforms” at first press conference

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Monday  held her first press conference as Director-General designate of the World Trade Organization (WTO), where, among other things, she called for deep and wide-ranging reforms at the WTO.

The General Council of the WTO on Monday, 15th February, 2021, agreed by consensus on her selection as the 7th and new Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Interacting virtually via the Zoom platform, the new WTO boss expressed appreciation for the support shown her by the WTO members, while calling for reforms at the WTO in order for it to be “the organization it needs to be for the 21st century” :

“I am deeply honoured and I’m humbled by the support I have received from WTO members. 

“…It’s both exciting and daunting at the same time to be here because I take the reins of the WTO at a time of great uncertainty and challenge- we have the twin shocks of the pandemic: the health side and the economic side, which is challenging so many, including challenging livelihoods around the world and it has wrought thick economic devastation in many parts of the world.

” The WTO at this time is also facing many challenges and it’s clear to me that deep and wide-ranging reforms are needed and…it cannot be business as usual at the WTO.

“We need to look at our priorities, the need to modernize our rules. We need to look at what the WTO can contribute to solve the present situation of the pandemic. We need to look at our procedures and parts of the institution.

“So much needs to be done, that is why I talk about deep and wide-ranging reforms…”

WTO press conference by Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala https://t.co/mtZHFxEKJD

— WTO (@wto) February 15, 2021

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, one-time Nigerian Finance Minister, makes history as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO.

Her term, which is renewable, will start on the 1st of March, 2021 and will run until the 21st of August, 2025.

Amaka E. Nliam