UAE Nominates Lana Nusseibeh for UN Secretary-General, Opening Path for Potential First Woman Leader

ABU DHABI/NEW YORK: The United Arab Emirates has formally nominated its senior diplomat, Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, intensifying diplomatic competition ahead of the selection of the international organisation’s next chief.
According to the UAE’s state news agency, WAM, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a formal nomination letter to the presidents of the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
The UAE government cited Nusseibeh’s extensive diplomatic experience and expertise in international affairs as key reasons for her nomination.
Nusseibeh currently serves as the UAE’s Minister of State. She previously represented her country as Permanent Representative to the United Nations, working on issues involving international peace and security, humanitarian assistance and multilateral cooperation.
If elected, she would become the first woman to serve as UN Secretary-General in the organisation’s history.
Extensive Experience in UN Diplomacy
Nusseibeh served as the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2013 to 2024. During her tenure, she held several prominent positions, including Vice-President of the General Assembly and President of the Executive Board of UN Women.
She also co-chaired initiatives concerning General Assembly revitalisation and Security Council reform and served twice as President of the Security Council during the UAE’s 2022–2023 membership. Her diplomatic portfolio included peace and security, humanitarian affairs, sustainable development, climate-related security risks and women’s rights.
Selection Process and Challenges Ahead
The current UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, is due to complete his second and final term on December 31, 2026. His successor is expected to assume office in January 2027.
Under the UN Charter, the Security Council recommends a candidate for appointment by the General Assembly. The council’s five permanent members — the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom and France — hold veto power, making their support crucial to the selection process.
The selection comes amid ongoing international conflicts, humanitarian emergencies, disagreements among major powers and calls for reforms to the UN system.
Although Nusseibeh’s nomination adds another contender to the race, her chances will depend on securing sufficient diplomatic support among Security Council members. Her election would mark a historic milestone, as no woman has held the position of UN Secretary-General since the organisation was established in 1945.