Historic: Okonjo-Iweala hosts UN deputy secretary-general Mohammed at WTO headquarters in Geneva
One of Nigeria’s best and top world citizen, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, celebrates a moment with a note of national pride, when she received United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed during a high-profile visit to the organisation’s Geneva headquarters.
The visit highlighted the growing influence of African leaders on the global stage.
The meeting, disclosed by Okonjo-Iweala on her social media platform X, was marked by warmth and camaraderie.
The WTO chief affectionately referred to Mohammed as her “younger sister,” reflecting both personal and professional admiration, while celebrating the moment with a note of national pride.
Although the details of their discussions were not disclosed publicly, the visit underscores the significant roles both Nigerian leaders continue to play in shaping international policy, development strategies, and multilateral cooperation.
Analysts said such engagements enhance Africa’s visibility in major global institutions and promote collaboration on pressing issues such as trade, sustainable development, and economic resilience.
Observers note that both Okonjo-Iweala and Mohammed have consistently leveraged their positions to influence global agendas.
Okonjo-Iweala, who has led the WTO since 2021, has championed trade policies that support developing economies, while Mohammed, as UN Deputy Secretary-General, has focused on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promoting equitable international cooperation.
The visit also reflected a broader trend of African leaders increasingly assuming prominent positions in global governance, demonstrating the continent’s growing clout in shaping international institutions and decision-making processes.
By bringing together two of Nigeria’s most prominent global figures, the meeting is seen as a symbolic reinforcement of Africa’s role in multilateral diplomacy and a potential catalyst for collaborative initiatives on trade, development, and sustainable economic growth.
Amina Mohammed and Okonjo-Iweala
