Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a Nigerian who in 2021 became the first African and woman to lead the World Trade Organization, has defended her work vehemently at a time when international organizations are facing criticism.
She said “If you’re looking for a place where multilateralism is working despite the tensions, it’s the WTO.”
In recent decades, the WTO has worked to lower trade barriers around the world during a period that has been referred to as globalisation. But with protectionism gaining popularity in recent years, that strategy appears to be in jeopardy.
Furthermore, tensions over Ukraine and other issues pose a threat to multilateral cooperation.
But Ms Okonjo-Iweala sees her work as vital in maintaining the global system from which people, particularly those in the developing world, can benefit.
Talking to the BBC’s Stephen Sackur, she cited a number of deals that have improved access to agricultural produce, as examples of the continued effectiveness of the WTO. She also said the organisation was vital in brokering an agreement that allowed for humanitarian access to global food supplies, despite the war in Ukraine.
She added that she was determined to show that the WTO was relevant for all people.
“If people in my village do not know what the WTO is about, there is a problem, so we need to bring people back into the WTO.”