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Saudi Arabia's Saqer Al-Moqbel Appointed as WTO General Council President for 2025–2026
Al-Moqbel becomes the first Arab and Middle Eastern delegate to lead the World Trade Organization's highest decision-making body.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has unanimously appointed Saqer Al-Moqbel, Saudi Arabia's Permanent Representative to the WTO, as the President of its General Council for the 2025–2026 term.
This historic decision marks the first time an Arab and Middle Eastern delegate will preside over the organization's highest decision-making body.
Al-Moqbel, with over 20 years of diplomatic and legal experience, currently chairs the Trade Policy Review Body and coordinates the Arab group within the WTO.
His extensive background includes leading various committees and contributing to significant trade policy reviews.
The WTO General Council, comprising representatives from all member governments, convenes regularly to oversee the organization's functions and implement decisions on behalf of the Ministerial Conference.
During Saudi Arabia's presidency, the council is expected to address several critical issues, including preparations for the 14th Ministerial Conference scheduled in Cameroon in March 2026. Key agenda items will focus on essential WTO reforms, particularly the dispute settlement mechanism, advancing negotiations on the second phase of the Fisheries Subsidy Agreement, and addressing agriculture, food security, and development concerns.
Other priorities include integrating multilateral agreements, such as the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement and the E-Commerce Agreement, into the WTO framework.
In addition to his upcoming role as General Council President, Al-Moqbel has been serving as the chair of the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body for the 2024–2025 term, further highlighting Saudi Arabia's active participation in global trade governance.
This appointment reflects Saudi Arabia's growing influence in the international economic landscape and underscores its commitment to strengthening multilateral trade cooperation.
This historic decision marks the first time an Arab and Middle Eastern delegate will preside over the organization's highest decision-making body.
Al-Moqbel, with over 20 years of diplomatic and legal experience, currently chairs the Trade Policy Review Body and coordinates the Arab group within the WTO.
His extensive background includes leading various committees and contributing to significant trade policy reviews.
The WTO General Council, comprising representatives from all member governments, convenes regularly to oversee the organization's functions and implement decisions on behalf of the Ministerial Conference.
During Saudi Arabia's presidency, the council is expected to address several critical issues, including preparations for the 14th Ministerial Conference scheduled in Cameroon in March 2026. Key agenda items will focus on essential WTO reforms, particularly the dispute settlement mechanism, advancing negotiations on the second phase of the Fisheries Subsidy Agreement, and addressing agriculture, food security, and development concerns.
Other priorities include integrating multilateral agreements, such as the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement and the E-Commerce Agreement, into the WTO framework.
In addition to his upcoming role as General Council President, Al-Moqbel has been serving as the chair of the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body for the 2024–2025 term, further highlighting Saudi Arabia's active participation in global trade governance.
This appointment reflects Saudi Arabia's growing influence in the international economic landscape and underscores its commitment to strengthening multilateral trade cooperation.
