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In the so-called “confessionals”, the ambassadors enter a WTO room, or do so virtually, and communicate their preferences to this “troika”.
The third and final round takes place from October 19 to 27. Voting is considered only a last resort if a consensus cannot be reached.
The process doesn’t always run smoothly. In 1999, former New Zealand Prime Minister Mike Moore and Thailand’s Supachai Panitchpakdi divided WTO members, eventually reaching a compromise to give each a term, shortened from four to three years.
Azevedo’s term ended before he took over his replacement, but WTO members were unable to agree on a temporary interim director general, meaning the four deputies continue in their current roles.
SOFTER THAN HARD POWER
The Marrakesh Agreement that established the WTO in 1995 does not provide a detailed description of the role of the Director General. Responsibilities must be “exclusively international in character”.
The incoming chief is expected to appoint four new deputies, present budget proposals and chair the trade negotiations committee that oversees multilateral agreements, such as those on fisheries subsidies.
The CEO can also intervene in commercial disputes, in very rare cases offering mediation and, more often, appointing people to adjudication panels when the parties cannot agree.
Otherwise, the CEO does not shape global trade policy, but must act as a neutral broker: part manager, part peacemaker.
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