The global trading system is currently facing one of its most serious challenges in decades, as World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala issues a strong warning about growing instability.
Speaking at a major WTO ministerial conference held in Yaoundé, she described the situation as the “worst disruption in the past 80 years,” highlighting how global tensions are reshaping international trade.
According to her, the world order that once guided global cooperation has significantly changed, with rising conflicts and economic pressures making it harder for countries to work together effectively.
The conference, which brings together representatives from over 160 member nations, comes at a time when divisions among countries are becoming more obvious. Trade ministers are now faced with the difficult task of rebuilding trust and strengthening a system that has been weakened by geopolitical tensions and slow negotiations.
Much of the current strain on global trade has been linked to ongoing conflicts, especially in the Middle East, which continue to disrupt key sectors like energy, food, and fertiliser supply. These disruptions have had ripple effects across economies worldwide.
Okonjo-Iweala also pointed out that even before the recent escalation of conflicts, the global system was already under pressure from several factors, including climate challenges, technological changes, and increasing doubts about multilateral cooperation.
She noted that both governments and international institutions are struggling to keep up with these rapid changes, as uncertainty continues to grow across global markets.
The WTO gathering in Africa is seen as a crucial moment for leaders to discuss the future of international trade and find solutions to stabilize the system.
With conflicts in regions like the Middle East, Sudan, and Ukraine adding to global uncertainty, the meeting highlights just how urgent the situation has become.
