Re-election of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO)

The Brazilian government congratulates Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her re-election as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Her candidacy was approved today (29/11) by acclamation at the WTO General Council.

A Nigerian national and the first woman to lead the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala has held the position with recognized leadership since 2021. Her second term is due to expire on August 31, 2029.

In outlining her vision for the new term, Okonjo-Iweala stated that she will work to advance negotiations on the liberalization of international agricultural trade, which is of priority interest to Brazil, and will increase efforts to rebuild the dispute settlement mechanism, a tool giving enforceability to WTO agreements.

On the occasion, Okonjo-Iweala made a special reference to the launch of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty by President Lula at the G20, with the goal of eradicating hunger in the world by 2030. She underscored  the WTO support for the initiative, which she believes is  essential to addressing food insecurity on the planet.

The promotion of open, fair and inclusive global trade – principles championed by Okonjo-Iweala – is in line with Brazil's view of the multilateral trading system, centered on the WTO.