The Director-General of World Trade Organisation (WTO), 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 with Nigeria’s Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede among those nominated.

The 20 members of the advisory groups would provide an informal platform for the exchange of views and discussions with key stakeholders, while aiming to strengthen the Director-General’s engagement with businesses and civil society.

According to a statement released by the WTO, the primary purpose of the business and civil society advisory groups was to allow businesses and civil society share their perspectives and insights on relevant international trade issues with the Director-General.

Also the statement revealed that the Okonjo-Iweala would chair both groups as it was expected that the groups would meet several times a year.

However, the WTO, said the DG set up the groups in recognition of the importance of engaging with the business community and civil society.

She explained: “During my engagements with these groups, I have 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 stakeholder perspectives to the trade debate.”

Meanwhile, WTO stressed that the composition of these advisory groups took into account geographical and sectoral diversity, as well as gender balance.

The members of the civil society advisory aroup are: Executive-Director, Afrodad, Jason Braganza; Director-General, Consumers International, Helena Leurent; Executive-Director, Interamerican Association for Environmental Defense, Gladys Martínez; Secretary-General, CUTS International, Pradeep Mehta; Director-General, WWF International, Kristen Schuijt; CEO, ONE Campaign, Gayle Smith; Executive-Director, Arab Watch Coalition, Shereen Talaat; Board Member, Te Taumata, Tania Te Wehnua;National Coordinator, Caribbean Youth Environment Network, Shannon Weekes and President, International Trade Union Confederation, Akiko Gono.

While for the Business Advisory Group, members include:, Founder and Chairman, Coronation Capital Limited, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Director General, International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations, Thomas Cueni; Secretary General, International Chamber of Commerce, John Denton; Co-Founder and CEO, BillionBricks, Prasoon Kumar; Managing Director, WoolCool, Josie Morris; Business leader, campaigner, co-author of ‘Net Positive’, Paul Polman; Vice Chairman, Agility, Tarek Sultan; Group Chairman, Standard Chartered, José Viñals; Founder, Chairperson, CEO of DHgate Group, Diane Wang and President and CEO, The Whitaker Group, Rosa Whitaker.

The first meeting of the Civil Society Advisory Group was held on 21st June, 2023, with the Business Advisory Group to meet on 4th July, 2023.