BREAKING: WTO General Council Reappoints Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for Second Term as Director-General
- The WTO has reappointed Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General for a second term, beginning September 1, 2025, citing her exceptional leadership.
- Her reappointment process was transparent and uncontested, with no additional nominations submitted by the November 8 deadline.
- As the first woman and African DG, Okonjo-Iweala has been praised for achieving key milestones at MC12 and MC13 amid global economic challenges
Geneva, Switzerland – The World Trade Organization (WTO) has reappointed Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General for a second four-year term, citing her outstanding leadership and strategic vision for the organization’s future.
The reappointment, announced after a General Council meeting on November 29, 2024, will take effect on September 1, 2025, following the conclusion of her first term.
Source: Twitter
The reappointment process, initiated on October 8, 2024, was led by Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council, The Punch reported.
WTO officials highlighted the transparency and fairness of the process, noting that no additional nominations were submitted by the November 8 deadline, leaving Okonjo-Iweala as the sole candidate.
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“Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment by consensus underscores the broad recognition of her exceptional leadership.
“The process adhered to the WTO’s ‘Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General’ (WT/L/509)," the Council stated.
Okonjo-Iweala reveals forward vision for WTO
During the special General Council meeting, Okonjo-Iweala outlined her forward-looking vision for the WTO, addressing members’ questions in a dedicated Q&A session.
Her presentation highlighted plans to strengthen the organization’s role in global trade and its ability to respond to emerging economic challenges, Vanguard reported.
“The General Council commends Dr. Okonjo-Iweala for her outstanding leadership during her first term.
“Her efforts were instrumental in securing meaningful outcomes at key Ministerial Conferences, notably MC12 and MC13, amidst significant global economic challenges," the WTO stated.
Okonjo-Iweala first assumed office on March 1, 2021, becoming the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO.
Her leadership has been widely praised for enhancing the organization’s relevance and addressing pressing issues in global trade.
“I am deeply honored by the trust placed in me and committed to continuing the work of making the WTO a more effective and inclusive institution,” Okonjo-Iweala said during her reappointment ceremony.
Okonjo-Iweala laments current state of Nigeria
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, emphasized the critical need for Nigeria to overcome political infighting and the inconsistent policies that have stalled the country's progress since independence.
She argued that advancing the nation requires collective action rather than engaging in blame games.
Okonjo-Iweala made these remarks on Sunday during the Nigerian Bar Association Annual Conference at Eko Hotel in Lagos, where she delivered a keynote address titled "A New Social Contract for Nigeria's Future."
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Source: Legit.ng
