Photo Credit: Nairametrics.com
In view of the appointment of a new Director General for the World Trade Organisation, Africa Development Discourse has thrown its weight behind Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as they believe she is the most qualified to drive the WTO mandate among the 8 candidates vying for the post.
The current director general, Ricardo Azevedo, said he will leave the WTO on August 31. Okonjo Iweala in her campaign post elucidated the fact that she has the requirements to take over the helm of affairs.
With the new status quo ushered in by the Covid 19 pandemic, trade and world economy has been severely contracted.
In her words, “we don’t know the trajectory of this pandemic, we don’t know what is going to happen. Therefore an institution as important as the WTO should have leadership as quickly as possible to make sure it contributes what it can to the multilateral trading system which in turn will contribute to the recovery of the world economy “.
Both Dr. Ngozi and the African Development Discourse believe that with an African at the helm of affairs, it will help address the issue of trade balance between the global north and south. As a matter of fact, developing countries must also attract investment, create jobs and increase trade.
Speaking on her qualifications, she identified strong leadership, political ability, ability to reach decision makers, international contracts, managerial capabilities, ability to forge consensus and being a strong reformer as her strong suit. It is for this reason that the ADD believe that she can effectively lead the WTO in it’s role to lead millions out of poverty.
Other world leaders who have thrown in their support for her include: RT Gordon Brown-Former British Prime Minister, Hon. Julia Gillard AC- Former Prime Minister, Australia, Ellen Sirleaf-Former President,Liberia, President Muhammadu Buhari, ECOWAS and the Nigerian House of Representatives.
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