For the first time in history, a woman will lead the World Trade Organization

Former Nigerian Minister of Finance and Foreign Affairs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has become the new head of the World Trade Organization (WTO). She became the first African woman to be the first woman to lead this international institution. Representatives of 164 WTO member states approved Okonjo-Iweala, who was already the only candidate, on Monday and appointed her WTO chief. In early February, the United States cleared the way for the appointment of Okonjo-Iweala, with the support of the administration of the new US President Joe Biden. Okonjo-Iweala will replace Brazilian Robert Azeveda, who left his post in August, at the helm of the WTO, a year before his term ends. The change in leadership occurs during the biggest crisis in the organization since its inception in 1995. The situation in the WTO has been complicated by former US President Donald Trump, who has blocked the appointment of new judges to a key WTO Appellate Body. It resolves trade disputes between countries. In addition, the current situation in the world economy is complicating the WTO situation.