Biden will very likely endorse Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as new WTO DG soon as South Korean Trade Minister, Yoo Myung-Hee has formally withdrawn from the race.
Okonjo-Iweala is the only remaining candidate for the job, a situation that has members left with no choice than to approve her appointment.
A statement by Korea’s Trade Ministry today, 5th Februarty said that Yoo’s decision follows discussions with the US and other major nations. It also takes into consideration, various issues including the need to revitalise the multilateral organisation.
According to Yoo, “There was no consensus so we needed enough time for in-depth consultations with important members, including the US.”
Yoo’s withdrawal comes after dozens of former US government officials urged President Joe Biden to endorse Okonjo-Iweala after the Trump administration blocked her selection in 2020, making the US and Korea the only countries resisting her appointment.
Once appointed, 66-year old Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala will become the first African and first female DG in WTO’s 25-year history.
She currently served as Board Chair @Gavi vaccine alliance, sits on the board of Twitters board of directors and is a special envoy for the World Health Organisation’s Covid19 battle.
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Why US Opposed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s Emergence as WTO DG (video)