The World Trade Organisation (WTO) General Council has reappointed Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its Director-General for a second four-year term, with the reappointment taking effect on September 1, 2025.
The reappointment process, initiated on October 8 and overseen by Petter Ølberg of Norway, chair of the General Council, saw Okonjo-Iweala as the sole candidate after no additional nominations were submitted by the November 8 deadline. The process adhered to the WTO’s “Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General” (WT/L/509).
During a special General Council meeting on November 28-29, 2024, Okonjo-Iweala presented her forward-looking vision for the WTO. Following her presentation and a comprehensive question-and-answer session with members, the Council formally endorsed her reappointment by consensus.
Petter Ølberg praised Okonjo-Iweala’s achievements, stating, “Amid significant global economic challenges, she strengthened the WTO’s ability to support its members and set a forward-looking agenda for the organisation.
Her leadership was instrumental in securing meaningful outcomes at pivotal moments, including the 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences (MC12 and MC13), where major milestones were achieved.”
Ølberg further emphasized, “As we look ahead, the Council fully supports Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s commitment to ensuring that the WTO remains responsive, inclusive, and results-driven. Her leadership will be critical as the organisation continues to advance a resilient, rules-based, and equitable global trading system.”
In February 2021, Okonjocapacity-Iweala made history by becoming the first female Director-General of the WTO. Her first term concludes on August 31, 2025, and her reappointment underscores the strong support for her efforts to enhance the WTO’s relevance and in addressing the evolving challenges of global trade.
