Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stated that she is honoured to have been selected as the one to lead the WTO, she was appointed as the first female Director-General (DG) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on Monday, February 15, 2021.
“I am honoured to have been selected by WTO members as WTO Director-General,” Okonjo-Iweala said on Monday afternoon.
“A strong WTO is vital if we are to recover fully and rapidly from the devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic. I look forward to working with members to shape and implement the policy responses we need to get the global economy going again.
“Our organization faces a great many challenges but working together we can collectively make the WTO stronger, more agile and better adapted to the realities of today.”
BizWatch Nigeria reported that Okonjo-Iweala was appointed the DG on Monday after months of uncertainty at the trade body.
The WTO thanked the former minister for her graciousness and patience through the selection process.
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“This is a very significant moment for the WTO. On behalf of the General Council, I extend our warmest congratulations to Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her appointment as the WTO’s next Director-General and formally welcome her to this General Council meeting,” said David Walker, the General Council chair, said.
“Dr Ngozi, on behalf of all members I wish to sincerely thank you for your graciousness in these exceptional months, and for your patience.
“We look forward to collaborating closely with you, Dr Ngozi, and I am certain that all members will work with you constructively during your tenure as Director-General to shape the future of this organization,” he added.
Walker, who is from New Zealand worked together with co-facilitators Dacio Castillo (Honduras) and Harald Aspelund (Iceland) through the nine-month DG selection process.
 of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on Monday, February 15, 2021.){kind=link}