The United Arab Emirates has formally nominated senior diplomat Lana Nusseibeh to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations. Her candidacy adds a Middle Eastern contender to a selection process that has struggled to produce a candidate acceptable to the Security Council’s most powerful members.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan submitted the nomination in a letter addressed to the presidents of the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
Nusseibeh currently serves as a UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. She previously represented her country at the United Nations for more than a decade.
Nusseibeh Highlights Need for Stronger Diplomacy
Announcing her candidacy, Nusseibeh said the international community needs a secretary-general who can bring countries together and help resolve global crises.
She stressed that the United Nations must strengthen its role as a diplomatic problem-solver rather than simply observe international conflicts.
Her priorities include preventing conflicts, improving humanitarian access and building cooperation between countries with opposing positions. She has also called for reforms to make the organisation more accountable and effective.
During her previous diplomatic role, Nusseibeh helped secure the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2720 in December 2023. The resolution established a mechanism to facilitate and monitor humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.
UN Leadership Race Faces Challenges
The nomination comes after several rounds of informal Security Council voting failed to produce a consensus candidate. The council’s five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — can veto a candidate.
Other contenders include Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, Argentina’s Rafael Grossi and Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.
The selection process requires the Security Council to recommend a candidate before the General Assembly appoints the next secretary-general.
Guterres’ Successor to Take Office in 2027
Current Secretary-General António Guterres will complete his second five-year term on December 31, 2026.
The incoming leader will face major challenges, including armed conflicts, humanitarian emergencies, climate change and divisions among global powers.
Nusseibeh’s candidacy highlights the UAE’s effort to participate in shaping the organisation’s future leadership. However, her appointment will depend on the outcome of the formal selection process and support from UN member states.
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