Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala will serve a second term as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), marking another chapter in her leadership.
The WTO General Council unanimously endorsed her reappointment for a four-year term starting September 1, 2025. This decision signals global confidence in her ability to drive reforms and strengthen the WTO amid economic uncertainties.
The reappointment process, which began on October 8, 2024, closed with no alternative candidates by the November 8 deadline. Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, chair of the General Council, commended the transparent process, conducted under WTO guidelines. During the Council’s special meeting on November 28-29, 2024, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala presented her strategic roadmap for the WTO’s future, followed by an engaging Q&A session with members.
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Her achievements during her first term drew widespread praise. Ambassador Ølberg noted her success in steering the WTO through challenging times, including delivering landmark agreements at the 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences. “Her leadership has been instrumental in making the WTO more inclusive, results-driven, and resilient,” he stated, emphasizing her role in shaping a fair global trading system.
Groundbreaking Achievements and Continued Commitment
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala made history in 2021 as the first woman and African to lead the WTO. Her tenure has focused on reinvigorating the organization’s relevance by addressing pressing global trade issues, such as supply chain disruptions and equitable vaccine distribution. These efforts culminated in significant agreements that boosted the WTO’s credibility.
Her second term priorities include tackling climate change impacts on trade, supporting developing nations, and enhancing digital trade frameworks. “The WTO must evolve to meet the demands of a fast-changing world,” she said, reaffirming her dedication to fostering equitable and sustainable global commerce.
