The General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has reappointed Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for a second term as Director-General. Her new four-year tenure is set to begin on September 1, 2025, cementing her status as a global powerhouse in the world of international trade and diplomacy.
Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO, expressed profound gratitude to the organization’s 166 member nations in a statement released Friday. “I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence placed in me by our member countries. Together, we will continue to strengthen the multilateral trading system and drive inclusive economic growth,” she said.
Since assuming office in March 2021, Okonjo-Iweala has been at the forefront of critical global trade negotiations. Under her leadership, the WTO has navigated complex challenges, including supply chain disruptions, trade wars, and the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her strategic vision has been instrumental in reviving stalled trade talks and ensuring that developing nations have a voice at the table.
Among her notable achievements is the groundbreaking agreement on fisheries subsidies, aimed at curbing overfishing and protecting marine ecosystems—a milestone hailed as a victory for sustainable development. She has also been a vocal advocate for vaccine equity, pushing for fair distribution of COVID-19 vaccines through trade-related initiatives.
In her second term, Okonjo-Iweala has pledged to focus on reforming WTO rules to better address contemporary challenges, including digital trade, e-commerce, and the transition to a green economy. “The WTO must evolve to meet the needs of today’s world. We must be bold and innovative in our approach,” she emphasized in her statement.
Her reappointment is not only a personal triumph but also a significant moment for Africa and women around the world, inspiring the next generation of leaders to break boundaries and shape the global agenda.
World leaders and trade experts have lauded Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment, recognizing her as a unifying figure in an increasingly fragmented global landscape. “Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership has brought renewed energy and purpose to the WTO. Her second term will be crucial in navigating the complexities of global trade,” said António Guterres, UN Secretary-General.
