Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been reappointed as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) for a second four-year term, reaffirming her leadership at the helm of the global trade body.
Expressing her gratitude, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala thanked the WTO General Council and its 166 members for their continued trust and support.
“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,” she stated.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala commended WTO members for their resilience and determination in achieving progress amid unprecedented uncertainty and economic disruptions. Reflecting on her first term, she underscored the organization’s pivotal role in tackling global challenges and fostering economic cooperation.
Looking to the future, the Director-General pledged to intensify efforts to deliver meaningful results that positively impact lives worldwide.
“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 said.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala also reiterated her commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable multilateral trading system.
“I am deeply committed to working alongside the talented and dedicated staff of the WTO to build a rules-based system that benefits all,” she added.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, who made history in 2021 as the first woman and first African to lead the WTO, has been lauded for her dynamic leadership and ability to navigate complex global trade issues. Her reappointment highlights a collective commitment among WTO members to sustain reforms and advance global trade cooperation.
