GENEVA – The World Trade Organization (WTO) announced on 9 November that incumbent Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala remains the sole candidate for the organization’s top position, following the closure of nominations on 8 November. Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council, confirmed to WTO members that no additional nominations had been submitted by the deadline.
Okonjo-Iweala expressed her willingness to serve a second four-year term in a letter to the Council Chair on 16 September. Subsequently, on 8 October, the WTO formally launched the nomination process, allowing members one month to propose additional candidates.
“Director-General Okonjo-Iweala’s commitment and performance during her tenure have earned her strong support,” Ølberg stated, noting the absence of further nominees as a testament to her leadership.
The General Council Chair is expected to outline the next steps in the appointment process soon, guided by the WTO’s official procedures for selecting Directors-General. Okonjo-Iweala’s current term will conclude on 31 August 2025, pending confirmation of her reappointment.
