WTO Reappoints Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General for a Second Term

The World Trade Organization’s General Council has unanimously reappointed Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General for a second term, extending her leadership tenure for another four years beginning on 1 September 2025. The decision, finalized on 29 November, underscores the global recognition of her impactful leadership and forward-thinking vision for the multilateral trading system.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to head the WTO, has led the organization since March 2021. Her reappointment follows a transparent selection process initiated on 8 October 2024. With no competing nominations submitted by the 8 November deadline, she stood unopposed for a second term. The process, chaired by Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, adhered to WTO procedures for appointing directors-general.

In her statement to the General Council during a special meeting on 28-29 November, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala outlined her vision for a more inclusive, responsive, and resilient WTO. She emphasized the need to address challenges such as trade fragmentation, geopolitical tensions, and the evolving needs of member states.

“The WTO must remain a pillar of the global trading system, adapting to change while safeguarding the principles of equity, transparency, and cooperation,” she said.

Ambassador Ølberg commended her achievements, highlighting her ability to navigate complex global economic challenges and secure pivotal agreements at the WTO’s 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences.

“The General Council recognizes Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s exceptional leadership in strengthening the WTO’s relevance and delivering meaningful outcomes during her first term,” Ølberg stated. “Her commitment to advancing a rules-based and equitable trading system will be vital as the organization continues to address global trade’s pressing challenges.”

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s first term has been marked by significant milestones, including securing agreements on fisheries subsidies and vaccine intellectual property waivers. Her reappointment signals a continued emphasis on reforming and modernizing the WTO to address the complexities of 21st-century trade.

Her leadership has been widely praised for its inclusivity and strategic focus. During her first term, she worked to enhance the WTO’s capacity to support member states, particularly developing nations, while pushing for greater collaboration in areas such as digital trade, climate change, and global supply chain resilience.

As she prepares to begin her second term, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala faces mounting expectations to build on her successes and address unresolved issues, including the functioning of the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism and the integration of sustainability into global trade policies.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment reinforces her role as a key figure in shaping the future of international trade, ensuring the WTO remains a cornerstone of global economic stability.