It is an honor to contribute to this collection honoring Gabrielle Marceau, a true icon of the World Trade Organization (WTO). My admiration for Gabrielle began long before I had the privilege of knowing her personally. As a newcomer diplomat, eager to learn the intricacies of the WTO, I attended a delegate course where Gabrielle delivered the closing lesson. Her sharp intellect, her ability to synthesize weeks of complex material into a cohesive narrative, and her well-structured reasoning left an indelible mark on me. I remember thinking, “I wanna be like that!”

Over the years, first as a delegate and later as Director General, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand Gabrielle’s profound understanding of the WTO, encompassing all its functions and nuances. Her foresight was remarkable; she consistently identified emerging issues long before they appeared on anyone else’s radar. Perhaps most impressive was her unique talent for translating complex, politically sensitive issues into clear, objective language, presenting both the challenges and potential solutions with remarkable clarity. It’s no wonder she earned the respect and admiration of colleagues within the Secretariat and across the entire membership.

Gabrielle’s legacy is woven into the fabric of the WTO. Her influence is evident in the organization’s culture, its guiding principles, and above all, its reputation as a center of excellence. Sadly, many may not fully appreciate the depth of her contributions, either due to a lack of understanding of the WTO’s complexities or because they did not have the opportunity to interact with her directly.

After my departure from the WTO, we even explored potential future collaborations, hoping to continue our work together in new ways. While life’s circumstances have, for the moment, prevented these plans from materializing, I remain hopeful that our paths will converge again, allowing me to continue learning from her wisdom and experience.

A tribute to Gabrielle could rightfully fill volumes, recounting her innumerable contributions to the WTO and beyond. However, I trust that these brief reflections capture my sincere gratitude and appreciation for her invaluable work, not only during my time as WTO DG, but throughout my entire career.

Gabrielle, I wish you a fulfilling and joyful journey ahead, both personally and professionally. May your passion for international trade and your dedication to a fairer, more prosperous world continue to inspire us all.