In a moment of global significance, the General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has reappointed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its Director-General for a second term. This decision cements her legacy as a transformative leader in international trade and governance.
Okonjo-Iweala, who made history in 2021 as the first woman and first African to lead the WTO, has been lauded for her unwavering commitment to revitalizing the organization.
During her initial term, she championed reforms aimed at making the WTO more inclusive, agile, and effective in addressing the complexities of modern global trade.
Under her leadership, the WTO navigated challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including facilitating agreements on vaccine production and distribution to ensure equitable access.
She also worked tirelessly to address supply chain disruptions, advocate for fair trade practices, and promote sustainability in trade policies.
In her acceptance speech, Okonjo-Iweala expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her leadership and outlined her vision for the next term.
"The challenges of the global trade system are immense, but so are the opportunities to build a fairer, more resilient, and sustainable future. I am deeply honored to continue this journey with the WTO," she said.
Her reappointment has drawn widespread praise from world leaders, economists, and trade experts. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hailed her achievement as a source of pride for Africa, emphasizing her role as a trailblazer on the global stage.
As Okonjo-Iweala embarks on her second term, the world will watch closely as she continues to steer the WTO through an era of unprecedented change, proving once again that effective leadership knows no boundaries of gender or geography.