A new trading system? A conversation with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Date
September 17, 2025, 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM EDT
PIIE Webcast from the WTO Public Forum in Geneva

Cecilia Malmström (PIIE) and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (World Trade Organization)

Event Summary

A new wave of global tariffs has led some to pronounce the death of the global trading system. Others, however, claim it is a chance to move on, as a smaller group of allies trying to develop new rules. Either way, there will be consequences, not least for the developing world. How can countries realistically move forward, maintaining the core ruling system and identifying new common rules? What is the role of the World Trade Organization in the current world? What are the most urgent needs and reforms that would ensure a fair trading system?  

HOST

Cecilia Malmström
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE)

GUEST

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala 
Director-General, World Trade Organization 

Video

Series

About This Series

Trade Winds explores the future of international trade—the challenges, possibilities, and where international efforts are headed—in a monthly virtual event series hosted by Cecilia Malmström. Join the discussion to learn from global policymakers, practitioners, business leaders from different sectors, experts, and more.