WTO Confirms Okonjo-Iweala As One Of The Two Finalists For DG Job

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has confirmed that Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has emerged as one of the two final candidates for the position of Director-General in the organization.

Yoo Myung-hee of the Republic of Korea was also confirmed as the second candidate for the top job after a shortlist of five candidates hoping for the job were further reduced to two candidates.

Naija News recalls a total of eight candidates were in the running for the job before they were screened down to five and now the final two candidates have emerged.

David Walker, the ambassador from New Zealand who is the general council chair for the selection committee, confirmed the latest development, adding that the ultimate objective of the selection process is to secure a consensus decision by members on the next director-general.

He said: “Our aim continues to be to encourage and facilitate the building of consensus among members and to assist in moving from this final slate of two candidates to a decision on appointment. As this is the final round of the consultation process, it should bring us to the point where we can make a recommendation to the General Council concerning that decision.

“As was the case for the first round, the entire membership remained fully engaged in and committed to this process. The facilitators and I are grateful for this very positive response. It is clear that all members attach great importance to this process.”

Until the final candidate emerges, member countries are required to choose a preferred candidate at every stage of the selection process.

It is expected that the next WTO DG will be announced on November 7, 2020.