The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced that it will hold a special meeting of its General Council on November 28-29, 2024, to advance the selection process for its next Director-General. This follows the recent revelation that no new candidates had emerged by the November 8 deadline for nominations, leaving the incumbent Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as the sole nominee.
Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, the Chair of the General Council, communicated that based on discussions with WTO member delegations, the meeting will proceed as planned. On the first day, Okonjo-Iweala will present her vision for the future of the WTO, followed by a Q&A session with members. The second day will be dedicated to a decision on her appointment.
The process began on October 8, with the WTO formally initiating the search for a new Director-General. However, with no other candidates coming forward by the November 8 deadline, it appears that Okonjo-Iweala is on track for a second term.