Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has expressed her strong commitment to improving the lives of people around the world after being re-affirmed by the General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to continue as Director-General.

The former Minister of Finance will lead the organization for a second four-year term, beginning on September 1, 2025.

In her acceptance speech, she emphasized that "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."

The re-appointment process for Okonjo-Iweala began on October 8, 2024, and was overseen by Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council. With no additional nominations submitted by the November 8 deadline, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala stood as the sole candidate.

The process was conducted openly and transparently, following the WTO’s “Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General” (WT/L/509).

During a special General Council meeting on November 28-29, 2024, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala presented her forward-looking vision for the WTO. Following her presentation and a Q&A session with members, the Council formally endorsed her reappointment by consensus.

Ambassador Ølberg praised her achievements, stating: "The General Council commends 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."

He continued: "As we look ahead, the Council fully supports Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s commitment to ensuring that the WTO remains responsive, inclusive, and results-driven. Her leadership will be critical as the organization continues to advance a resilient, rules-based, and equitable global trading system."

Read Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala below

“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.

“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. I commend Members for their hard work and determination in achieving progress despite unprecedented levels of uncertainty and rapid economic shifts.

“As we look ahead, I remain firmly committed to delivering results that matter—results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world. 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.

“I am deeply committed to working alongside the talented and dedicated staff of the WTO to build a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system that benefits all.”