World Trade Organisation, WTO Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has warned that the global trading system would not return to its pre-disruption state, urging countries and businesses to plan for a future defined by uncertainty and diversification.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Friday, Okonjo-Iweala said excessive dependence on a few major economies has exposed vulnerabilities in global trade, particularly amid rising tariffs, geopolitical tensions and supply chain shocks.

Responding to questions on whether current trade tensions driven in part by aggressive tariff policies and strained alliances represent a temporary phase or a permanent shift, Okonjo-Iweala was unequivocal.