The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced today (29.11.2024), the re-election of the Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General for a second four-year term, beginning on 1 September 2025. This decision, taken by consensus during a meeting held on 28 and 29 November 2024, recognises Dr Okonjo-Iweala's exceptional leadership and strategic vision for the future of the WTO. Originally from Nigeria, Dr Okonjo-Iweala will become the Eighth Director General of the multilateral institution based in Geneva.
El Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the WTO General Council, praised the achievements of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala during her first term (2021-2025) and highlighted her leadership in times of major global economic challenges.
In his remarks, he said:“The General Council congratulates Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her outstanding leadership during her first term. In a complex global economic context, she strengthened the WTO’s capacity to support its members and steered the organization towards a forward-looking agenda. Her leadership was key to achieving significant results at critical moments, such as the 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences (MC12 and MC13), where important milestones were achieved.”
Ølberg added:“Looking ahead, the Council fully supports Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s commitment to ensuring that the WTO remains a responsive, inclusive and results-oriented institution. Her leadership will be critical to the organization’s continued drive to achieve a resilient, rules-based and equitable global trading system.”
Background
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala assumed office as Director-General of the WTO on 1 March 2021, becoming the first woman and the first African to lead the organisation. Her first term will end on 31 August 2025, and her re-election reflects strong support for her efforts to strengthen the WTO’s relevance and capacity to meet global trade challenges.
On his re-election, he said: «It is a privilege to continue serving as Director-General for a second four-year term, and I am deeply honoured by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 members.«He highlighted the key role of the WTO in managing global crises, such as the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, and congratulated members for their efforts to overcome economic uncertainty.
Looking ahead, Okonjo-Iweala reaffirmed her commitment to achieving concrete results that improve global life by promoting trade as an engine of economic growth and resilience. She also underlined her dedication to working with WTO staff to strengthen an inclusive, equitable and rules-based multilateral trading system.
In a conference with journalists broadcast via Zoom, the Director-General stressed that while working in an organisation where all members have a voice is not easy, it is one of the strengths of the WTO. Despite the increase in trade differences and disputes, the WTO provides a forum for dialogue and cooperation in the search for solutions.The key is not to react hastily, but to use the organization's tools to address problems cooperatively.«.
And I add: "The United States uses this mechanism in the same way that any other member can, and I hope that things continue along those lines. Regarding costs, the last budget approved by the members, for which we are very grateful, included the first increase in costs in 12 years. We have confirmed that we will work within those limits. While it is true that there may be some operational pressure, we will do our best to stay within these limits.«.
He also expressed enthusiasm for the creation of a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance Unit at the WTO, which will be crucial for global trade by reducing costs, increasing productivity and generating new products and services. Finally, he expressed his satisfaction at the renewal of his mandate, thanked members and reaffirmed his commitment to continue moving forward.Press conference )
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