04/10/2024 (Agence Europe) – The procedure for appointing the head of the World Trade Organization (WTO) will begin on Tuesday 8 October, two months ahead of schedule. The term of office of the current Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, will end on 31 August 2025, and the process is due to start nine months before that date. Starting 8 October, Member States will have one month to propose candidates, followed by three months to campaign. Only Ms Okonjo-Iweala has put herself forward as a candidate at this stage. According to the Chair of the WTO General Council, Petter Ølberg, there is a convergence of views among members in favour of launching the nomination procedure earlier than planned. (LM)