The appointment of a new WTO leader – an opportunity to reform and restore the organization’s position in the world economy
The appointment of a new WTO leader – an opportunity to reform and restore the organization’s position in the world economy

Summary/Abstract: The prolonged stalemate in negotiations, combined with the inability of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to perform its fundamental functions stimulates discussion about a significant crisis in the organization which is the main regulator of world trade and, consequently, about the need to reform the multilateral system. This is related to a change in the position of WTO Director-General, which, after a protracted selection process, was assumed on February 15, 2021, by a Nigerian Okonjo-Iweala. The first-ever woman in this position has taken over the helm of the organization at a particularly challenging time for global trade and will face challenges of immense scale, complexity and importance to the global economy. The paper aims to analyze the issues related to the position of the WTO in the world economy, taking into account, in particular, the situation pertaining to the change in the position of the WTO DG and to outline the prospects of this process in a dynamically shifting international environment. It presents the results of an analysis intended to support the thesis that the appointment of a new, strong, confidence-inspiring and authoritative leader will significantly contribute to resolving the crisis and restoring the position of the WTO in the institutional structure of the world economy. However, securing strong support in this area from key members of the organization will be a critical factor. In terms of methodology, the study is based primarily on a critical analysis of official documents of the World Trade Organization, press releases and academic papers.

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