Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has called on members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to use the platform for constructive engagement. Speaking to members, she emphasized the need to strengthen the multilateral trading system, which serves as a source of stability and opportunity.
"It is imperative that we continue to strengthen the multilateral trading system, ensuring that it remains a source of stability and opportunity for all members," said DG Okonjo-Iweala. "The WTO was created precisely to manage times like these — to provide a space for dialogue, prevent conflicts from spiralling, and support an open, predictable trading environment."
She urged members to utilize the WTO platform in good faith to address concerns and explore cooperative solutions. "Let us make full use of this platform to engage with one another in good faith, address concerns constructively and calmly, and explore cooperative solutions that uphold and enhance the balance of global trade relations."
Following her remarks, 32 members addressed the assembly, highlighting the WTO's role in fostering economic growth globally. They underscored its importance for developing countries and cautioned against actions that might undermine its principles.
DG Okonjo-Iweala has been engaging with WTO members regarding geopolitical issues affecting trade. She stressed maintaining open dialogue amid uncertainties. "The key message I have shared is that amid the current uncertainties, we must maintain cool heads and remain open to dialogue," she stated.
Additionally, she announced an upgrade to the WTO's Tariff Analysis Online database based on member feedback. The new version will be called WTO Tariff And Trade Data and is set for launch on March 4 at the Committee On Market Access. "This will be a much more user-friendly system that will facilitate tariff and trade analysis," she explained.
In her speech, DG Okonjo-Iweala also highlighted reform opportunities within the WTO. She encouraged strategic thinking about organizational goals: "I encourage all of you to view this moment as an inflection point — an opportunity to think more strategically and purposefully about what we want from this organization and how we can make it more results-driven."
Leaders expect progress on several fronts including agriculture negotiations, fisheries subsidies agreements, investment facilitation agreements, electronic commerce integration into legal frameworks, dispute settlement reform, and development issues.
"The world has changed," DG Okonjo-Iweala concluded. "We cannot come here to continue doing the same things we've been doing."