Global governance

ICC welcomes backing of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as WTO Director General

  • 6 February 2021

Following the announcement that the US has given its formal backing to Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to lead the World Trade Organization, ICC has issued the following statement.

ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said:

“The global business community will be delighted to learn that the US Administration has given its backing to Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to take up the position of World Trade Organization Director General. Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s skills and experience make her, without doubt, the ideal candidate to drive concerted action in the WTO to combat the public health and economic effects of the pandemic.   

“The Biden Administration’s backing of Dr Okonjo-Iweala selection is a very positive signal of intent as regards its commitment to make trade work for people and the planet. We stand squarely behind that vision.  And we call on the WTO membership, through the General Council, to move as expeditiously as possible to confirm Dr Okonjo-Iweala as the successful candidate.

“I look forward to working with the incoming Director General to support a renewal of the multilateral trading system – and, specifically, one that ensures international trade plays a central role in ending the pandemic and driving a resilient global recovery.”