Breaking: Okonjo-Iweala Reappointed WTO Chief for Second Term

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has reappointed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its Director-General for a second term. The global trade body made the announcement on Friday, noting that her new term will commence on September 1, 2025. Her current term is set to expire on August 31, 2025.

The General Council has appointed Director-General [Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala] for a second term, effective 1 September 2025. More details to follow”, the body said

Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and African to lead the WTO, initially assumed office on March 1, 2021. She had expressed her intention to seek another four-year term on September 16, citing “unfinished business” in her first mandate. She said key priorities for her second term include advancing global agricultural negotiations, ending fisheries subsidies, decarbonising trade, and reforming the WTO’s dispute resolution system.

Her reappointment follows significant support from member countries, including backing from 58 nations in the African Group and endorsements from the Biden administration and the European Union. In 2021, she overcame opposition from the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who supported a South Korean candidate. However, she secured the position under the administration of the current President Joe Biden.

When asked about the possibility of Trump’s re-election affecting her leadership, Okonjo-Iweala responded that she focuses only on matters within her control. The Nigerian icon is now set for a second term.

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