The General Council of the World Trade Organization has confirmed the reappointment of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for a second term as Director-General.
Her new four-year term is scheduled to begin on September 1, 2025.
In a statement released on Friday, Okonjo-Iweala expressed her gratitude to the 166 member nations of the WTO for their ongoing trust and support.
The Council announced its unanimous decision to reappoint Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General for a second four-year term, highlighting that this choice signifies widespread acknowledgement of her outstanding leadership and forward-thinking vision for the WTO’s future.
Additionally, it clarified that the reappointment process, which began on October 8, 2024, was managed by Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, who serves as the Chair of the General Council.
The statement further said that: “With no additional nominations submitted by the November 8 deadline, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala stood as the sole candidate. The process was conducted in a fully open and transparent manner, adhering to the WTO’s ‘Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General’ (WT/L/509).
“During a special General Council meeting on November 28-29, 2024, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala outlined her forward-looking vision for the WTO. Following her presentation and a Q&A session with members, the Council formally endorsed her reappointment by consensus.
“The General Council commends Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her outstanding leadership during her first term. Amid significant global economic challenges, she strengthened the WTO’s ability to support its members and set a forward-looking agenda for the organization. Her leadership was instrumental in securing meaningful outcomes at pivotal moments, including the 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences (MC12 and MC13), where major milestones were achieved.”
Okonjo-Iweala first assumed office as Director-General on March 1, 2021, becoming the first woman and African leader of the WTO.
Her first term concludes on August 31, 2025.
