Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala continues to make history and break barriers, further cementing her legacy as a pioneering figure in global economics and diplomacy. In a significant development, the General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has reappointed Okonjo-Iweala for a second term as its Director-General. Her new four-year tenure is set to begin on September 1, 2025.
Okonjo-Iweala expressed her gratitude in a statement following the announcement, thanking the WTO’s 166 member nations for their continued trust and support. I am deeply honoured by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 Members. It is a privilege to continue serving as Director-General for a second four-year term, she said.
Reflecting on her first term, Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the pivotal role the WTO has played in navigating global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and global conflicts.
In recent years, the WTO has played a vital role in helping Members navigate pressing global challenges, including the pandemic, conflict, and heightened geopolitical tensions, she remarked.
I commend Members for their hard work and determination in achieving progress despite unprecedented levels of uncertainty and rapid economic shifts.
Okonjo-Iweala’s tenure at the WTO has been marked by her steadfast commitment to reforming and strengthening the multilateral trading system. As the first woman and African to lead the WTO, she has brought fresh perspectives and leadership to the organization, advocating for trade as a means to drive economic growth, resilience, and global cooperation.
She has worked tirelessly to ensure that the WTO remains a collaborative platform where member nations can address shared global challenges, particularly those that affect the world’s most vulnerable populations.
I remain firmly committed to delivering results that mattes results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world, Okonjo-Iweala stated. By promoting trade as a driver of economic growth and resilience, the WTO will continue to provide a collaborative platform for Members to address shared global challenges.
She also reaffirmed her dedication to building a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system that benefits all nations, particularly those in the developing world.
Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership and vision for the future of global trade are grounded in her deep commitment to social justice, gender equality, and economic empowerment. During her career, she has become a symbol of integrity and intelligence, overcoming numerous obstacles as a woman of African descent in positions of global influence.
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As the Director-General of the WTO, she has championed causes that align with her belief in sustainable development, equitable trade policies, and multilateral cooperation. Her influence extends beyond the economic realm, inspiring women and marginalized communities around the world to pursue leadership roles in fields traditionally dominated by men.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment for a second term at the WTO is a testament to her unwavering dedication to promoting a fairer global economic system. She continues to make history as she leads with vision, determination, and a commitment to creating a more just and prosperous world for all
