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Saudi Arabia's Saqer Al-Moqbel Appointed as WTO General Council President for 2025–2026
Historic appointment marks first Arab leadership of the World Trade Organization's General Council
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has unanimously appointed Saudi Arabia's Permanent Representative, Saqer bin Abdullah Al-Moqbel, as the president of its General Council for the 2025–2026 term.
This decision, made during a recent General Council meeting, signifies the first time an Arab delegate will preside over the organization's highest decision-making body in Geneva.
Al-Moqbel, with two decades of diplomatic and legal experience, currently chairs the Trade Policy Review Body and coordinates the Arab group within the WTO.
His leadership is anticipated to guide the General Council through significant global trade discussions, including preparations for the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference.
This conference is scheduled to take place in Cameroon from March 26 to 29, 2026, marking only the second instance an African nation has hosted the event.
The upcoming ministerial conference is set to address critical issues such as reforms to the WTO's dispute settlement mechanism, advancements in the Fisheries Subsidy Agreement, and discussions on agriculture, food security, and development concerns.
Additionally, efforts are expected to integrate multilateral agreements, including the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement and the E-Commerce Agreement, into the WTO framework.
Prior to his forthcoming role as General Council president, Al-Moqbel was unanimously selected to chair the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body for the 2024–2025 term.
This body is responsible for resolving disputes among member nations regarding their commitments under WTO agreements.
Al-Moqbel's appointment to this position also marked a historic first for an Arab representative.
Cameroon's Ambassador, Salomon Eheth, expressed gratitude for the confidence shown in his country to host the 14th Ministerial Conference.
He highlighted Cameroon's intention to contribute to the development of the multilateral trading system and to showcase the potential of Cameroon and Africa for investment and sustainable development.
The WTO's General Council, comprising representatives from all member governments, convenes regularly to oversee the organization's functions and to act on behalf of the Ministerial Conference between its biennial sessions.
Al-Moqbel's upcoming presidency reflects Saudi Arabia's growing influence in international economic affairs and its commitment to fostering multilateral trade cooperation.
This decision, made during a recent General Council meeting, signifies the first time an Arab delegate will preside over the organization's highest decision-making body in Geneva.
Al-Moqbel, with two decades of diplomatic and legal experience, currently chairs the Trade Policy Review Body and coordinates the Arab group within the WTO.
His leadership is anticipated to guide the General Council through significant global trade discussions, including preparations for the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference.
This conference is scheduled to take place in Cameroon from March 26 to 29, 2026, marking only the second instance an African nation has hosted the event.
The upcoming ministerial conference is set to address critical issues such as reforms to the WTO's dispute settlement mechanism, advancements in the Fisheries Subsidy Agreement, and discussions on agriculture, food security, and development concerns.
Additionally, efforts are expected to integrate multilateral agreements, including the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement and the E-Commerce Agreement, into the WTO framework.
Prior to his forthcoming role as General Council president, Al-Moqbel was unanimously selected to chair the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body for the 2024–2025 term.
This body is responsible for resolving disputes among member nations regarding their commitments under WTO agreements.
Al-Moqbel's appointment to this position also marked a historic first for an Arab representative.
Cameroon's Ambassador, Salomon Eheth, expressed gratitude for the confidence shown in his country to host the 14th Ministerial Conference.
He highlighted Cameroon's intention to contribute to the development of the multilateral trading system and to showcase the potential of Cameroon and Africa for investment and sustainable development.
The WTO's General Council, comprising representatives from all member governments, convenes regularly to oversee the organization's functions and to act on behalf of the Ministerial Conference between its biennial sessions.
Al-Moqbel's upcoming presidency reflects Saudi Arabia's growing influence in international economic affairs and its commitment to fostering multilateral trade cooperation.
