Business - World
Updated: July 28, 2020

Former UK Prime Minister Support Okonjo-Iweala For WTO Director-General Job

By Olalekan Fakoyejo
July 28, 2020
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Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala effort to become the Director-General of World Trade Organisation (WTO) received another boost after the former UK prime minister, Gordon Brown, threw his weight behind her. Brown said Okonjo-Iweala is suitable for the top job at the trade organisation, hence, his support for her.

Brown said the former Managing Director of World Bank is known for handling “the toughest of jobs” and delivering results. While speaking about her qualities, Brown also pointed out her global recognition which has also seen her linked to the President of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) before David Malpass was elected.

Brown is one of the many prominent leaders that have publicly supported Okonjo-Iweala to be elected for the WTO Director-General job. Benin Republic had pulled its candidate out of the race for Okonjo-Iweala, while the President of Benin Republic, Patrice Talon, have spoken in favour of her. Kenyan prominent citizen, Patrick Lumumba, had also supported the Nigerian candidate ahead of his country's candidate, Amina Mohamed.

What You Need To Know

Okonjo-Iweala is an international figure and popular amongst global financial bodies; she was appointed by International Monetary Fund (IMF) to its External Advisory Group this year, and WHO appointed her as a Special Envoy for the newly inaugurated Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator.

Okonjo-Iweala is also popular amongst global economies, with the South African government appointing her to join their presidential economic advisory council, to help the country through its recession period this year.

The Presidential economic group advises South African President Ramaphosa, on economic policies. The presidential economic advisory council consists of local and international economic leaders. Also, she currently sits on Twitter's board. Okonjo-Iweala's track record gives her a fighting chance to become the Director-General.