The General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has re-elected Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General for a second four-year term, which will begin on September 1, 2025 , according to a statement from this organization.
“I am deeply honoured by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 Members. It is a privilege to continue serving as Director-General for a second four-year term,” said Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala after her re-election.
The WTO explained that the process of reappointing the candidate began on October 8 and the Nigerian-born economist was the only candidate who submitted the application.
During an extraordinary meeting of the General Council held on 28 November and this Friday, Okonjo-Iweala outlined her vision for the future of the WTO, and after her presentation, her re-election was backed by consensus .
“In recent years, the WTO has played a key role in helping members navigate global challenges such as the pandemic, conflicts and rising geopolitical tensions,” Okonjo-Iweala said, pledging to deliver results “that improve the lives of people around the world.”
He also reiterated his commitment to work with WTO staff to build a more inclusive and equitable multilateral trading system , and said that the WTO will continue to provide a collaborative platform for its members to address shared global challenges.
Petter Ølberg , Ambassador of Norway and Chair of the WTO General Council, congratulated and highlighted the leadership and achievements of the Nigerian economist during her first term, which ends on 31 August 2025.
“Looking ahead, the Council fully supports Okonjo-Iweala’s commitment to ensuring that the WTO remains responsive, inclusive and results-oriented. Her leadership will be critical as the organization continues to advance a resilient, rules-based and equitable global trading system,” Petter Ølberg said.
Okonjo-Iweala’s recent appointment underscores the strong support she has received in her efforts to enhance the WTO’s relevance and capacity to meet the evolving challenges of global trade, the WTO stressed.
His new term will also coincide with that of US President-elect Donald Trump , who has threatened Mexico and Canada with 25 percent tariffs.
It should be remembered that these three countries are members of the WTO and are part of the trilateral trade agreement known as the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (T-MEC).
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