WTO DG Okonjo-Iweala Urges Members to Utilize the Platform for Engagement
Geneva, February 18, 2025 – Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has called on WTO members to actively utilize the organization as a platform for engagement and dialogue, emphasizing its crucial role in addressing global economic challenges.
In her address to the General Council, DG Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the need for members to collaborate and find common ground in the face of pressing issues, such as the ongoing pandemic, global food security, and climate change.
“The WTO is not just a negotiating forum,” she emphasized. “It is a platform where members can engage in a sustained and structured manner on trade-related issues of mutual interest.”
The DG pointed to the success of recent initiatives, such as the establishment of the Trade and Health Initiative and the launch of the Trade Sustainability Agenda, as examples of how the WTO can provide a space for members to address emerging challenges collectively.
“The WTO is well-positioned to facilitate dialogue and build consensus on trade-related issues,” she said. “Let us make full use of this platform to find common solutions to the challenges we face.”
DG Okonjo-Iweala also stressed the importance of inclusivity and transparency in the WTO’s work, urging members to actively participate in the organization’s various committees and working groups.
“We are all stakeholders in the global trading system, and we all have a responsibility to contribute to its effective functioning,” she added.
In response to the DG’s call, several member countries expressed their support for the WTO’s enhanced role in facilitating engagement.
“The WTO is a valuable platform for us to discuss trade-related issues and find common ground,” said the representative of the United States. “We support the DG’s vision of a more engaged and inclusive organization.”
The representative of China echoed these sentiments, stating that “the WTO remains an indispensable forum for trade cooperation and dialogue.”
“We believe that by working together, we can address global economic challenges and create a more prosperous and sustainable future for all,” the representative added.
The General Council meeting concluded with members agreeing to enhance their engagement and cooperation within the WTO framework, recognizing the organization’s critical role in fostering global trade and economic prosperity.
DG Okonjo-Iweala to members: Use the WTO as a platform to engage
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