Petter Ngozi - Photo:Laila Chedid Hausken
Laila Chedid Hausken

Dr Ngozi reappointed as WTO DG

On 29 Nov 2024, the General Council, decided to appoint Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for a second four-year term, which will commence in Sept 2025.

Geneva - The General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has reappointed Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General for a second four-year term, beginning 1 September 2025. This decision reflects widespread recognition of her exceptional leadership and strategic vision for the future of the WTO.

“I commend 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,” says Chair of the General Council, Ambassador Petter Ølberg.

The GC Chair further underlined that the decision to reappoint Dr. Okonjo-Iweala reflects Members’ confidence in her leadership and vision for the WTO. “This successful process reinforces the organization’s ability to address global challenges effectively, as Members show that they are focused on delivering results and getting the job done at a time when the world is grappling with major issues such as geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and climate challenges,” he added.

Mr Espen Barth Eide and Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala under the WTO's 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) which took place from 26 February to 2 March 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.