The World Trade Organization (WTO) announced that 58 member countries have supported a proposal from the African Group for Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the WTO’s director-general, to seek a second four-year term.
In a statement released by the Geneva-based organization, it was revealed that the 58 countries voiced their support during the general council meeting on Monday.
The WTO consists of 164 member countries.
“The African Group requests that the current director-general make herself available for a second term and has proposed that the reappointment process begin as soon as possible,” the WTO stated.
Okonjo-Iweala’s current term is set to end in August 2025, and she is eligible for another four-year term. During the meeting, 58 members, many representing groups of members, expressed their support for the African Group’s proposal. They urged Okonjo-Iweala to announce her intentions for a second term soon, with many commending her hard work and achievements during her first term.
Okonjo-Iweala expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “Everything that I’ve accomplished, we’ve accomplished together.” She added that she takes the call from members seriously and is favorably inclined to continue serving. She assured members that she would announce her decision regarding a second term soon.
