Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has officially assumed office as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). She assumed office on Monday as the first woman and first African Director-General of WTO.
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala assumed office amid high expectations among stakeholders of the global trade body. She was confirmed DG of the trade body on February 15, after her final challenger to the position, South Korean Trade Minister and candidate, Yoo Myung-hee, announced her withdrawal.
Ms Yoo made the decision after discussions with the U.S. and other major nations. She also took various issues into account “comprehensively” including the need to revitalise the multilateral organization.
The World Trade Organisation had selected Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Ms Yoo to advance to the final round in the race to lead the Geneva-based trade body last October.
The DG was dressed in African wax fabric material with her trademark head tie.
On its official Twitter handle, the trade body welcomed the new DG Monday morning.
“Welcome to Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala @NOIweala on her first day as WTO Director-General!” the trade body said in a tweet. “She makes history as the first woman and first African to take up this post.”