World Trade Organisation's Director-General?
VerifiedAnswer: Roberto Azevêdo.
Explanation:
Roberto Azevêdo served as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) from September 2013 to August 2020. He was a Brazilian career diplomat who made history by becoming the first Latin American to hold this prestigious position in global trade governance.
Before joining the WTO, Azevêdo had an impressive diplomatic career spanning over two decades. He served as Brazil's Permanent Representative to the WTO and played a crucial role in various international trade negotiations. His expertise in trade policy and multilateral diplomacy made him a strong candidate for the top position at the world's premier trade organization.
During his tenure as Director-General, Azevêdo oversaw several significant developments in global trade. He successfully facilitated the Trade Facilitation Agreement, which was the first multilateral deal concluded under WTO auspices since the organization's establishment in 1995. This agreement aimed to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade costs worldwide, benefiting both developed and developing nations.
Azevêdo's leadership was particularly tested during his second term, which coincided with rising trade tensions globally, including the US-China trade war and various disputes involving multiple WTO members. He worked tirelessly to maintain the organization's relevance and effectiveness in resolving trade conflicts through diplomatic channels rather than unilateral actions.
One of the major challenges during his leadership was the paralysis of the WTO's Appellate Body due to the United States blocking new appointments. Despite these institutional challenges, Azevêdo remained committed to finding solutions and maintaining dialogue among member countries to preserve the multilateral trading system.
Roberto Azevêdo announced his early departure from the WTO in May 2020, stepping down one year before his second term was scheduled to end. He cited personal and family reasons for his decision to leave Geneva and return to Brazil. His departure came at a critical time when the global economy was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic and its severe impact on international trade.
Following his tenure at the WTO, Azevêdo joined PepsiCo as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer in September 2020. His successor at the WTO is Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala from Nigeria, who became the first woman and first African to serve as Director-General when she assumed office in March 2021.
