Okonjo-Iweala Gets Second Term as WTO DG, Reaffirms commitment to more tangible results

Follow

( 0 Followers )

X

Follow

E-mail : *

Follow Unfollow

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been unanimously reappointed as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) for a second four-year term, set to begin on September 1, 2025. This decision by the WTO’s General Council highlights widespread recognition of her transformative leadership and visionary approach to global trade.
When she assumed office on March I, 2021, she made history as the first woman and the first African to be so appointed.

The reappointment process began on October 8, 2024, under the guidance of Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council. With no other candidates nominated by the November 8 deadline, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala remained the sole contender. The selection process adhered to the WTO’s stringent appointment procedures, ensuring transparency and fairness.

At a special General Council meeting held on November 28-29, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala outlined her vision for the WTO’s future, focusing on inclusivity, resilience, and results-driven strategies. Following her presentation and an interactive session with members, the Council formally endorsed her reappointment by consensus.

Ambassador Ølberg commended her first term, describing her leadership as instrumental during a period marked by significant global economic challenges. He noted her success in delivering meaningful outcomes at the WTO’s 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences, reinforcing the organization’s relevance and impact. He also praised her forward-looking agenda aimed at strengthening the WTO as a responsive and equitable multilateral institution.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, who made history in 2021 as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO, expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in her. Reflecting on her first term, she highlighted the WTO’s vital role in tackling global crises such as the pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and rapid economic shifts. She reaffirmed her commitment to delivering tangible results that improve lives globally by fostering trade as a driver of economic growth and resilience.

As she prepares for her second term, set to begin in September 2025, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala emphasized her dedication to building a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system. Her reappointment signals strong global support for her continued efforts to address the evolving challenges of international trade and to enhance the WTO’s relevance in a rapidly changing world.