Okonjo- Iweala Pledges To Focus On Finding Solutions To Challenges If Selected As WTO DG

Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has promised to support the World Trade Organisations and help find solutions to the problems confronting member states if selected as the Director General.

The Nigerian born international economist is one of the 8 contenders for the role of WTO DG.

“If selected, what kind of @WTO DG would I be? Proactive, supportive and solutions-oriented,” she said in a tweet seen by THE WHISTLER.

Okonjo- Iweala, who has advocated for equal opportunities for all the members of the WTO, said the problem with the organization did not start with the pandemic.

She said the negotiating function of the WTO has not yielded many multilateral outcomes since its establishment in January 1995.

According to her, the leadership gap had prompted several members to initiate plurilateral negotiations on specific issues at the WTO.

“The dispute settlement system, considered a fundamental pillar providing certainty and predictability to the MTS, is now in question as a result of disagreements over the Appellate Body,” she said.

Okonjo- Iweala, however said, “If selected as WTO Director-General, I consider that I am well placed to address its challenges. “

The Nigerian maintained that she would fight for a WTO where greater trust among members and renewed commitment to core objectives reign supreme, adding that the principles were the grounds for overcoming the challenges that have paralyzed the organization over the years.