The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has, on Thursday, announced two female contenders as the final candidates in the director-general election, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala being one of the two finalists.
It is the first time in the history of the WTO that, with certainty, a woman will be the director-general of the Geneva-based organization.
Yoo Myung-hee of the Republic of Korea has been shortlisted alongside Okonjo-Iweala, making it an all female affair as Liam Fox of Britain was the last man standing in the previous stage.
Former Nigerian minister for finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, emerged from a shortlist of five which, was selected from a pool of eight candidates, with member countries required to choose a preferred candidate at every stage of the election.
The ambassador from New Zealand, David Walker, who is the general council chair for the selection committee, said the ultimate objective of the selection process is to secure a consensus decision by members on the next director-general.
“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,” Walker said.
“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.”
According to the WTO, the third phase of consultations will commence on October 19 and run until October 27 after which Ambassador will then call a formal general council and present the recommendation to members for a formal decision.
“Following this third round of consultations, Amb. Walker will call another heads of delegations meeting at which the results will be announced to the WTO membership,” the WTO said.
