WTO Scrambles to Re-appoint DG

Petter Ølberg, Chair of the General Council, has informed WTO members that he has “detected convergence to initiate the appointment process for the next Director-General earlier than anticipated.”

In light of this, the appointment process is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Until that date, Mr. Ølberg will remain available for consultations with WTO members.

This process will be conducted in accordance with the Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General (WT/L/509) and will be guided, as noted in the Guidelines, “by the best interests of the organization, respect for the dignity of all candidates and the nominating members, and full transparency and inclusiveness at each stage".

As reported earlier, the best interests of the organization, or at least those of  Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, are to get the re-nomination process far along before the arrival of a re-elected President Donald Trump.  The DG's current term expires 31 August 2025.

Nomination Process

• Members will have one month from the commencement of the appointment process to submit nominations for candidates. All nominations must be received by November 8, 2024.
• Candidates will then have three months, until February 8, 2025, to engage with members and present their qualifications.