No Competitors for WTO Leadership as Nominations Close

Geneva, Nov 8, 2024 — As the nomination period for the World Trade Organization (WTO) leadership closed at midnight, only the current Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has put herself forward for re-election, sources close to the process told Reuters.

The lack of contenders comes as little surprise to observers, especially with the looming challenges under U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who is expected to take office in January. WTO insiders are anticipating a turbulent period ahead, marked by potential tit-for-tat tariffs and heightened trade tensions.

Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and the first African to head the WTO, is expected to continue leading the organization through what could be a difficult chapter for global trade.