Ngozi Okonjo-iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), called on members of global trade institutions to use the platform to conduct dialogue and participate in issues that lead to current global trade tensions.
Okonjo-iweala said this in his speech at the 2025 meeting of the WTO General Council in Geneva, Switzerland.
Her warning is because of the Chinese ambassador to the WTO Li Chenggang Expressing strong concern about the unilateral tariff imposition of the United States and its harmful effects, she called on her to remove the measures and urged all parties to take meaningful action to maintain a rule-based multilateral trading system, which resonated with the audience.
Okonjo-iweala said at the council:We must continue to strengthen the multilateral trading system to ensure that it remains a source of stability and opportunity for all members.
“The WTO was created to manage such time to provide space for conversations, prevent conflict spirals, and support an open, predictable trading environment.
“Let us make the most of this platform to interact sincerely, constructively and calmly with problems and explore cooperative solutions that maintain and enhance the balance of global trade relations.”
After her speech, a total of 32 members occupied the floor.
Overall, members stressed the importance of the WTO in promoting global economic growth and development, especially for developing and least developed countries.
Many on-road requirements limit actions that may undermine the system and emphasize the importance of upholding WTO principles and rules.
Okonjo-iweala said she has been meeting with WTO members to discuss the broader geopolitical landscape and to explore how the organization responds to the situation.
“The key message I share is that in the current uncertainty, we have to keep our heads cool and keep the conversation open,” She said.
