UAE Diplomat Lana Nusseibeh Enters Race to Become Next UN Secretary-General

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The United Arab Emirates has nominated senior diplomat Lana Zaki Nusseibeh as a candidate to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations, adding a prominent Middle Eastern contender to the race to succeed António Guterres.

The UAE formally submitted Nusseibeh’s nomination on October 21, according to a letter circulated by the president of the UN General Assembly and the president of the Security Council. Her candidacy comes as member states consider who should lead the world body when Guterres’ second term ends on December 31, 2026.

Nusseibeh, 48, previously served as the UAE’s permanent representative to the United Nations from 2013 to 2024. During that period, she represented her country on the Security Council during its 2022–2023 elected term, when the UAE held the council presidency twice. She has also served as a vice-president of the General Assembly and president of the executive board of UN Women.

Announcing her candidacy, Nusseibeh said the United Nations must strengthen its ability to resolve disputes, prevent conflicts from escalating and rebuild international trust. Her proposed agenda places peace and security at the center of the organization’s work. She has called for more active diplomacy, practical agreements to reduce suffering in conflict zones, stronger accountability and reforms to make the UN more focused and responsive.

Her platform also emphasizes sustainable development, human rights and international cooperation on emerging challenges, including artificial intelligence and biotechnology. Nusseibeh has argued that the organization should reduce duplication, clarify priorities and ensure that programs deliver measurable results. She has also called for greater support for officials working directly in affected communities.

Her bid is likely to face scrutiny over allegations concerning the UAE’s role in Sudan’s civil war. The UAE has been accused of providing support to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group accused of widespread abuses. Abu Dhabi denies supporting the group militarily.

The conflict in Sudan remains a major humanitarian concern for the United Nations, and the allegations could become a subject of questions about how a future secretary-general would address conflicts and maintain the organization’s credibility.

Nusseibeh has said she would focus on Sudan’s humanitarian crisis as part of her candidacy. She has also taken a leave of absence from her UAE government responsibilities to concentrate on the campaign.

The General Assembly has scheduled an interactive dialogue with Nusseibeh for October 27 at 3 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time in the Trusteeship Council Chamber at UN Headquarters in New York. The session will give member states an opportunity to question her about her priorities and vision for the organization.

The next secretary-general will be selected through a process involving the Security Council and the General Assembly. The Security Council recommends a candidate, and the General Assembly appoints the secretary-general. The selection process takes place against a backdrop of armed conflicts, humanitarian emergencies, financial pressures and disagreements among major powers over the UN’s role.

If elected, Nusseibeh would become the first woman to serve as UN secretary-general since the organization was founded in 1945. She would also be the second secretary-general from the Middle East, following Egypt’s Boutros Boutros-Ghali. The outcome remains uncertain as member states continue considering candidates and the Security Council’s five permanent members retain decisive influence over the recommendation.