World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has announced the establishment of two advisory groups, one comprising leaders from the business community and the other bringing together prominent civil society representatives.

The establishment of these groups aims to strengthen her engagement with businesses and civil society all over the world and will provide an informal platform for the exchange of views and discussions with key stakeholders.

Founder and Chairman, Coronation Capital Limited, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, will be joined by the Director General, International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations, Thomas Cueni; Secretary General, International Chamber of Commerce, John Denton; Group Chairman, Standard Chartered, José Viñals and six others, to drive its activities.

The primary purpose of the business and civil society advisory groups is to allow both arms share their perspectives and insights on relevant international trade issues with Okonj-Iweala and who would chair both groups. It is expected that both groups will meet several times a year.

Okonjo-Iweala said she sets up the groups in recognition of the importance of engaging with the business community and civil society. “During my engagements with these groups, I observed a strong desire to share perspectives on the impact of trade and trade rules on their constituents. By establishing the advisory groups, I aim to facilitate such exchanges on a more regular basis.” The formation of these groups builds on past practice and the WTO’s experience with bringing diverse stakeholders perspectives to the trade debate.

The composition of both groups takes into account geographical and sectoral diversity, as well as gender balance. The Civil Society Advisory Group comprises the Executive-Director, Afrodad, Jason Braganza; Director-General, Consumers International, Helena Leurent; President, International Trade Union Confederation, Gladys Martínez; Executive-Director, Interamerican Association for Environmental Defense, Akiko Gono and six others.The first meeting of the Civil Society Advisory Group was held yesterday while the Business Advisory Group will meet on July 4, 2023.