Azevêdo Ascends to WTO Top Post
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2025 9:46 am
The election of Roberto Azevêdo, a seasoned diplomat from Brazil, to the position of Director-General of the World Trade Organization was a landmark achievement for Brazilian diplomacy and a significant moment for the global trading system. This victory was the culmination of a robust campaign that showcased Brazil's growing influence on the international stage and its commitment to multilateralism. Azevêdo's deep understanding of trade policy, honed through years of representing Brazil in contentious negotiations, made him a formidable candidate and a reassuring choice for many member states seeking a stable hand to guide the beleaguered organization. His election underscored the evolving geopolitical landscape and the increasing demand for leadership from outside traditional economic powerhouses.
Upon assuming leadership, Azevêdo faced the daunting phone number library task of navigating a WTO plagued by inertia and a fractured membership. The collapse of the Doha Round, ongoing disputes, and the rise of bilateralism had cast a long shadow over the organization's future. Azevêdo’s strategy was characterized by a focus on "deliverables" – tangible results that could restore confidence in the WTO’s ability to achieve consensus. This pragmatic approach led to the successful conclusion of the Trade Facilitation Agreement at the Bali Ministerial Conference in 2013, a significant achievement that demonstrated the WTO’s capacity for collective action under his guidance. This success, though limited in scope compared to the broader Doha ambitions, was crucial in proving the organization's continued relevance.
Azevêdo also championed efforts to address new trade challenges and bring the WTO's rules into the 21st century. He recognized the profound impact of e-commerce, global value chains, and sustainable development on international trade, advocating for discussions on these nascent areas. His emphasis on inclusivity and the needs of smaller economies was consistent with Brazil’s historical stance as a leader of the G20 developing country bloc in agricultural trade negotiations. He consistently worked to ensure that the voices of all members were heard and that trade policies contributed to broader development goals.
Upon assuming leadership, Azevêdo faced the daunting phone number library task of navigating a WTO plagued by inertia and a fractured membership. The collapse of the Doha Round, ongoing disputes, and the rise of bilateralism had cast a long shadow over the organization's future. Azevêdo’s strategy was characterized by a focus on "deliverables" – tangible results that could restore confidence in the WTO’s ability to achieve consensus. This pragmatic approach led to the successful conclusion of the Trade Facilitation Agreement at the Bali Ministerial Conference in 2013, a significant achievement that demonstrated the WTO’s capacity for collective action under his guidance. This success, though limited in scope compared to the broader Doha ambitions, was crucial in proving the organization's continued relevance.
Azevêdo also championed efforts to address new trade challenges and bring the WTO's rules into the 21st century. He recognized the profound impact of e-commerce, global value chains, and sustainable development on international trade, advocating for discussions on these nascent areas. His emphasis on inclusivity and the needs of smaller economies was consistent with Brazil’s historical stance as a leader of the G20 developing country bloc in agricultural trade negotiations. He consistently worked to ensure that the voices of all members were heard and that trade policies contributed to broader development goals.