The election of Roberto Azevêdo of Brazil as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization marked a pivotal moment, signaling a significant recalibration of power within the global trade body. His victory over Mexico’s Herminio Blanco, widely seen as the candidate preferred by richer nations, underscored the growing influence of emerging economies on the international stage. Azevêdo, with his extensive background as a trade negotiator for Brazil and his deep familiarity with the intricacies of the WTO, was perceived as an "insider" candidate, highly capable of navigating the complex diplomatic landscape of Geneva. His appointment was celebrated by many developing countries who saw it as an opportunity for their voices to be amplified.
Azevêdo inherited a WTO facing considerable phone number library headwinds. The multilateral trading system was under strain, with the Doha Development Agenda seemingly intractable and major economies increasingly resorting to bilateral and regional trade deals. The challenge for Azevêdo was not merely to administer the organization, but to inject new life into its core functions: negotiating trade agreements, administering existing rules, and settling disputes. His initial pronouncements emphasized a pragmatic approach, focusing on achievable outcomes and building consensus among disparate member interests. This shift from ambitious, all-encompassing rounds to more targeted, incremental progress became a hallmark of his approach.