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Summary
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala addressed young leaders at the NEXT Milan Forum, urging them to champion global trade and engage in tackling global challenges.
Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, addressed over 1,000 young leaders on May 5, 2025, at the “NEXT Milan Forum on Empowering Future Leaders.” She encouraged them to position themselves as ambassadors of the WTO to help shape a fairer and more open global trade environment.
NEXT 2025 is an initiative organised by the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI), supported by Bocconi University and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It brought together 200 selected participants into four groups: Young Talents, Business Leaders, Think Tanks, and Civil Society and Civil Servants from over 60 countries.
Dr. Ngozi expressed her joy and emphasised the WTO’s core mission. Her speech at the forum inspired young leaders to take an active role in shaping the future of global trade and tackling key global challenges.
“It was great to address about 1,000 younger leaders today at the Next Milan Forum on Empowering Future Leaders.” She noted, “The WTO was created with the purpose of enhancing living standards, creating jobs and supporting sustainable development. In other words, a system to support people and the planet.”
The programme aims to establish a global network of young talents and future leaders. It seeks to engage them on pressing global issues, including peace and security, sustainable growth, digital transformation, and climate resilience. The event also featured plenary sessions, interactive workshops, and speeches from global thought leaders.
