The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, described her re-election on Friday as an honor and an opportunity to continue driving impactful results.
According to Plateau News, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala was re-elected unopposed, cementing her position as the first black person and the first black woman to achieve both election and re-election as the WTO’s Director-General.
In her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude and pledged to focus on initiatives that would positively transform lives globally. Her second term is set to commence on September 1, 2025.
It read: “I am deeply honoured by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 Members. 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. I commend Members for their hard work and determination in achieving progress despite unprecedented levels of uncertainty and rapid economic shifts.
“As we look ahead, I remain firmly committed to delivering results that matter—results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world. 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.
“I am deeply committed to working alongside the talented and dedicated staff of the WTO to build a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system that benefits all.“