The World Trade Organization (WTO) has scheduled a special General Council meeting on November 28-29, 2024, to advance the process for selecting its next Director-General, following the announcement that Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the incumbent, is the only candidate nominated for the position.
Chair of the WTO General Council, Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, issued a statement on Tuesday confirming the meeting dates. The session will kick off with a presentation from Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, during which she will outline her vision and goals for the WTO’s future. This will be followed by a Q&A session, giving members the chance to engage directly with her on key issues. On the second day, the Council will vote on her reappointment.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, whose current term concludes on August 31, 2025, formally entered the race for a second term as WTO Director-General when the organization opened nominations on October 8, 2024. She remained the sole nominee as of the November 8 deadline. Ambassador Ølberg’s decision to organize the special meeting aligns with past instances where incumbents stood unopposed.
Her leadership at the WTO has been marked by a focus on reforming global trade rules to address issues ranging from digital trade and sustainable practices to enhanced inclusivity within the global economic system. If reconfirmed, Okonjo-Iweala’s second term would allow her to continue these initiatives, potentially reinforcing her vision for a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable global trading system.
