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Summary
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been reappointed as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) for a second term following a transparent selection process and recognition of her exceptional leadership. She expressed gratitude to the WTO's 166 member nations in her statement and reaffirmed her commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable global trade.
The General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has unanimously reappointed Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General for a second four-year term. Her new tenure will begin Sept. 1, 2025, continuing her groundbreaking leadership since she first assumed office on March 1, 2021.
The reappointment, finalised during a General Council meeting on 29 November, followed a transparent process initiated on Oct. 8, 2024, under Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council’s guidance.
The process was conducted fully open and transparently, adhering to the WTO’s “Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General.”
No additional nominations were submitted by the 8 November deadline, so Dr Okonjo-Iweala remained the sole candidate. This reflects a strong global consensus on her exceptional leadership and strategic vision for the WTO.
In her address to the General Council for her reappointment, Dr Okonjo-Iweala further expressed her gratitude to the WTO’s member nations for their confidence in her leadership, vowing to build a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based trading system that benefits all.
“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,” Dr Okonjo-Iweala said.
She further presented a forward-looking vision for the WTO, emphasising the need for a collaborative and equitable multilateral trading system. She reaffirmed her commitment to driving tangible results and promoting trade as a catalyst for economic growth and resilience, particularly amidst global challenges such as the pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and economic uncertainty.
“As we look ahead, I remain firmly committed to delivering results that matter—results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world. By promoting trade as a driver of economic growth and resilience, the WTO will continue to provide a collaborative platform for Members to address shared global challenges. I am deeply committed to working alongside the talented and dedicated staff of the WTO to build a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system that benefits all,” she added.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the seventh Director-General of the WTO, made history as the first woman and first African to lead the organisation. A global finance expert, economist and international development professional with over four decades of experience, she previously served twice as Nigeria’s Finance Minister (2003-2006 and 2011-2015) and briefly as Foreign Minister in 2006, being the first woman to hold both positions.
Her leadership journey inspires millions, solidifying her status as a symbol of excellence and dedication to advancing global trade for a more equitable and sustainable future.
