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5 reasons why the role of WTO Director-General matters
Jun 5, 2020
World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Roberto Azevêdo announced on 14 May that he would step down from the position. The position has an important role in advancing global trade and cooperation, despite holding little formal power. With the organisation under threat, the new Director-General will have the chance to make a big difference.
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Roberto Azevêdo, announced on 14 May that he would step down a year earlier than planned. Governments are already using this as an opportunity to push their own agenda for the global trading system, mobilising behind their preferred candidates for his successor or perhaps plotting to stall the process altogether.
Yet, the position of the Director-General holds almost no formal power. He or she cannot single-handedly reform the organisation, force governments to take any specific action or even dictate the agenda.
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So why does the Director-General matter? Here are five reasons why the position – and who holds it – are important, especially right now.
1. The Director-General is the only person who can speak up for the WTO with no vested interests beyond that of the organisation itself.
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