Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Professor Ian Goldin explores globalisation, and asks how far the world is fragmenting politically and economically, and what the consequences of that could be. Since around 1990, with the end of the Cold War, the opening of China, global agreements to reduce trade barriers and the development of the internet, there has been a dramatic acceleration of globalisation. But its shortcomings are under the spotlight. Governments are making policy choices that protect their industries, and there’s a knock on effect on other countries and consumers around the world. How can the challenges be addressed? With contributions from: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation. Minouche Shafik, President and vice-chancellor of the London School of Economics Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor of The Economist Rana Foroohar, Financial Times commentator and author. Kishore Mahbubani, former Ambassador to the UNCredits: CBS News, 24.09.19 – Donald Trump addressing the UN General Assembly in New York, pushing his ‘America First’ agenda. Conservative party, 02.10.19 – Boris Johnson at Conservative party conference ‘Let’s get Brexit done.’ The White House, 04.03.22 – Joe Biden announce his ‘Made in America’ commitments. World Economic Forum, 18.01.23 - German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, addresses the World Economic For in Davos, warning of the dangers of de-globalisation. BBC Newsnight,19.02.97 - Reporter Mike Robertson, reports on Xiao Ping’s economic legacy. BBC interview, 2005 - Tim Berners Lee describes the creation of the worldwide web. BBC Newsnight, 10.11.89 – reporter piece from the Berlin Wall. BBC Radio 5Live, 26.01.23 – Latest UK car manufacturing figures from 5Live presenter Rachel Burden and detail from BBC Business editor, Simon Jack. Courtesy, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, 26.11.88 – Ronald Reagan’s radio address to the nation where he reminds the US to be thankful for economic prosperity generated by global trade. Courtesy, William J. Clinton Presidential Library, 28.01.2000 - President Clinton addresses the World Economic Forum about the connections between the global economy and US prosperity.

In a compelling conversation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African Director-General of the WTO, discusses the resilience of globalization amidst rising protectionism and the challenges US trade policies pose. She outlines her vision for engaging with the new US administration, emphasizes the importance of representation for women and African nations in global trade, and tackles the complexities of WTO governance. Okonjo-Iweala defends the WTO's achievements and advocates for reforms to support smaller nations in the evolving trade landscape.

ECB President Lagarde, IMF First Deputy Managing Director Gopinath, and WTO Director General Okonjo-Iweala discuss the global economic outlook, trade policy, the green transition, opportunities and challenges for economic growth in Africa, harnessing the potential of young people, and global economy discussions including local currency markets.

Prominent guests including ECB President Christine Lagarde, Carlyle Co-Founder David Rubenstein, and Director General of the WTO Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala discuss the threats and challenges faced by the global economy, the trade conditions in 2023 and forecast for 2024, the EU's concerns about subsidies and capital markets union, transitioning to a US-China partnership, building resilience and mobilizing resources, challenges of fiscal reform and financing the green transition, and the difficulties of raising taxes and phasing out subsidies.

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General and former finance minister, offers expertise on global trade and multilateral reform. She discusses how the Middle East conflict raises uncertainty and will affect trade. They cover services as a shock absorber, shipping and fertilizer disruptions, rising protectionism, and the need to reform rules for digital and green trade.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala, WTO Director‑General and former Nigerian finance minister with a long World Bank career. She discusses trade transparency and predictable rules to cut corruption. She explores digitizing processes to limit discretionary risk. She speaks on strengthening institutions, Africa’s governance opportunities, negotiation tactics, and advice for women leaders.

Thom Tillis, U.S. senator and free-trade conservative, critiques tariff advisers and defends fair trade. Lars Klingbeil, German vice chancellor and finance minister, urges European sovereignty and outreach to the Global South. Alexander Stubb, Finland’s president and pro-multilateralist, pushes European cooperation and values-based realism. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO chief and former finance minister, discusses WTO resilience and the need for reform.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, dives into the legal challenges of Trump's tariffs and calls for WTO reform to combat trade paralysis and transparency issues. Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, shares insights about the New York City Marathon and his deeply personal book, The Running Ground, reflecting on the emotional journey of running. Harvard philosopher Michael Sandel discusses political polarization, the diploma divide, and the need for a moral reinvigoration in progressive politics to bridge divides and inspire action.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and African Director General of the World Trade Organization, shares her insights on global trade amidst rising tariffs. She discusses the personal impact of her mother's kidnapping in Nigeria and highlights the importance of ethical leadership. The conversation also addresses the challenges women face in leadership roles and the need for supportive networks. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala emphasizes embracing digital trade for inclusive growth, advocating for collaborative solutions in global economic dynamics.

World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala discusses the impact of de-globalization on international trade, challenges faced by the WTO, Biden Administration's tariff expansion on Chinese products, evolving trade perceptions, escalating protectionist measures between US and China, challenges for smaller countries, and future podcast guests and content.