The current Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, who is the first woman and African to hold the position, is poised to secure a second term uncontested. No additional nominations were received by the deadline, making her the sole candidate for the role, according to the WTO chair, Norwegian Ambassador Petter Olberg.
In September, the 70-year-old Director-General announced her intention to seek another term, with her current tenure set to end in August 2025.
The selection of the Director-General is determined by consensus among the WTO’s 166 member countries, a process that she successfully navigated despite initial challenges.
During her initial term, she faced opposition from former US President Donald Trump, who favored a South Korean candidate. However, this resistance dissipated when President Joe Biden assumed office, paving the way for her historic appointment.
Since assuming office, she has been dedicated to revitalizing the WTO, an international trade organization often criticized for inefficiencies and stagnation.