Okonjo-Iweala lists her top priorities as WTO Director General

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the recently appointed Director General of the World Trade Organization, held a press conference where she outlined her top priorities for her tenure. Being the first woman and African to hold this prestigious position, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the importance of addressing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as a key focus for the WTO. She stressed the need for collaboration with organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the COVAX facility, and the ACTACC to accelerate the distribution of vaccines to poorer nations. Additionally, she highlighted the issue of export restrictions and prohibitions among WTO members, calling for transparency and temporary measures to ensure the free flow of goods. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala also underscored the importance of finding ways to expand vaccine manufacturing globally, while safeguarding research and innovation linked to intellectual property rights. Modernizing the WTO's rules to address 21st-century issues, such as the digital economy and e-commerce, was another key area of focus mentioned by the Director General. She pointed out the necessity of establishing rules for e-commerce within the WTO framework and completing negotiations on investment facilitation and domestic services regulation. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the importance of the ongoing fisheries subsidies negotiation, which plays a crucial role in promoting ocean sustainability and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She expressed optimism about the upcoming MC12 ministerial meeting as a platform to make progress on various issues, including pandemic response frameworks, concluding fisheries subsidies negotiations, and addressing other trade-related negotiations. Furthermore, the Director General emphasized the significance of e-commerce in promoting inclusivity, particularly for women and micro, small, and medium enterprises. She reiterated that trade is ultimately about people and underscored the importance of ensuring that marginalized groups are brought into the mainstream economic activities. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala's comprehensive and ambitious agenda reflects her commitment to addressing pressing global challenges and ensuring the WTO's relevance in the rapidly evolving global trade landscape.