Members discussed the request from the African Group of members regarding the appointment of the Director-General (WT/GC/W/948). The African Group requests that the current Director-General make herself available to serve a second term and has proposed that the process of reappointing the Director-General should be started as soon as possible. The current term of DG Okonjo-Iweala finishes at the end of August 2025. She is eligible for a second four-year term.
Fifty-eight members, several speaking on behalf of groups of members, took the floor to comment and express their support for the African Group proposal. They called on DG Okonjo-Iweala to make her intentions known regarding a second term as soon as possible. Most of these members praised the DG's hard work and her achievements during her first term.
DG Okonjo-Iweala said that she was very grateful for the show of support from members. “Everything that I've accomplished, we've accomplished together,” she said. The DG added that she took the call of members very seriously and was favorably inclined. She said she would get back to members very soon regarding her intentions.
The General Council Chair, Petter Ølberg (Norway), said that he heard unanimous, broad, and strong support both for the current DG to make herself available and to run again, and for the process to be started as soon as possible. The Chair said he will be reaching out to delegations in the days and weeks to come.
Brazil presented for adoption by the General Council its proposal “Moving Agriculture Negotiations Forward — Draft Decision” (WT/GC/W/939/Rev.2). The proposal sets out a work programme for achieving tangible progress and balanced outcomes in agriculture negotiations by the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), which will take place in Cameroon.
Forty-three delegations took the floor on this item. Many delegations thanked Brazil for its work on the proposed work programme and voiced support for adoption of Brazil's proposal, saying that text could serve as a good common basis for negotiations to move ahead after summer break. Others expressed concerns over process and substance of Brazil's proposal, with some saying better account needed to be taken of priorities highlighted by African Group.
The Director-General said people have expectations that WTO can deliver on agriculture, noting MC14 will take place on a continent where food security is a huge problem. She detected slight shifts in positions among some members who had not shifted before, suggesting members might need to mull over this issue during summer break.
The Chair thanked Brazil for its efforts on this important subject matter but concluded there was no consensus at this time on adopting this decision. He encouraged delegations to build on constructive conversations made so far and continue engagement after WTO's summer break.
On behalf of 125 proponent members, Chile presented “Incorporation of Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement into Annex 4 WTO Agreement — Draft Decision” (WT/GC/W/927/Rev.1) for General Council approval. Proponents requested formal incorporation IFD Agreement into WTO framework while committing further discussions with all members.
Chile emphasized importance incorporating IFD Agreement into WTO promoting economic development particularly developing economies aligning existing agreements without creating obligations non-parties agreement.
Many spoke favorably noting benefits mainly helping developing least-developed countries facing difficulties attracting foreign investment but three were not in position agreeing remaining open engaging proponents.
Director-General described IFD Agreement “low-hanging fruit” aligning concept “re-globalization” diversifying involving more developing economies global supply chains also seen de-risking investment especially smaller developing economies.
Chair noted overwhelming support draft decision but objections three prevented adoption suggesting facilitation engagement standing ready if helpful.
General Council adopted proposal G/C/W/846 facilitating simplifying Harmonized System nomenclature changes using Consolidated Tariff Schedule database.
General Council formally approved report MC12 SPS Declaration Work Programme endorsed findings recommendations contained therein continuing meeting July 23rd.