Nigeria on Tuesday appointed the Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for the post of Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Geneva-based organization said in a press release on Tuesday (09.06.2020/XNUMX/XNUMX).
According to a biographical note posted on the WTO website, Okonjo-Iweala is a Global finance expert, economist and international development professional with over 30 years of experience working around the world.
He served twice as Minister of Finance of Nigeria and briefly served as Minister of Foreign Affairs, has a 25-year career in the World Bank, including as Managing Director of Operations. Currently Chair of the Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliances, she was recently appointed Special Envoy of the African Union (UA) to mobilize international financial support for the fight against COVID-19.
In her biography, Okonjo-Iweala describes herself as “a skilled negotiator,” “an effective consensus builder,” and “an honest broker who enjoys the trust and confidence of governments and other stakeholders.”
Okonjo-Iweala is married to Dr. Ikemba Iweala, a neurosurgeon. They have four children.
Roberto Azevedo, the current Director-General of the WTO, recently announced that he will officially step down on August 31, one year before his term expires.
According to WTO General Council Chair David Walker, member states can submit nominations for a new head within a month, starting on June 8, and a consolidated list of all candidates will be issued to members after July 8.
Shortly after the close of the nomination period, candidates will be invited to meet with members at a special meeting of the General Council, and present their views and answer questions from members.
It is stipulated that if a new CEO cannot be confirmed by August 31, the General Meeting will appoint a current Deputy CEO to act as Interim CEO, until a new head is appointed.
Gavi Board Chair and former Nigerian Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been nominated by #Nigeria as a candidate for the post of Director-General of the WTO. https://t.co/tVG7NNDlNg@NOIweala @TradeInvestNG @NigeriaMFA #WTODG pic.twitter.com/VrxHsnMX6b
— WTO in Spanish (@OMC_es) June 9, 2020
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