The World Trade Organization (WTO) announced on Tuesday that it has begun the process of appointing its next director-general , with the current leader of the multilateral body, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, confirming her intention to request a new appointment.

The process will be led by Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway , Chair of the General Council, in accordance with the WTO “Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General” (WT/L/509).

On October 4, Ambassador Ølberg issued a statement indicating that WTO members supported the process starting sooner than originally planned. The selection process will follow established procedures , ensuring transparency, inclusiveness and alignment with the best interests of the organization, according to a WTO statement.

WTO members have until 8 November to submit their candidacies. After the deadline for submitting candidacies, candidates will have a period of three months, ending on 8 February 2025, to engage in discussions with members and present their qualifications.

A final two-month period, until 8 April 2025, will be devoted to a consultation process to enable the General Council to finally reach a decision on who will be the candidate chosen for the appointment.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala began her term in March 2021 and her current term is scheduled to end on 31 August 2025.

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