UAE's Lana Nusseibeh Announces Bid to Become UN Secretary-General
UAE's Lana Nusseibeh Announces Bid for UN Secretary-General
Dubai, October 22, 2026: United Arab Emirates diplomat Lana Zaki Nusseibeh has announced her candidacy for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, pledging to strengthen international cooperation and promote peace through what she describes as "quiet diplomacy".
Nusseibeh was nominated by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on October 21. The nomination was formally submitted to the presidents of the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
The diplomat has taken a leave of absence from her UAE Government responsibilities to concentrate on her candidacy.
Quiet Diplomacy and Practical Peace Agreements
In her vision statement, Nusseibeh emphasised the importance of preventing conflicts from escalating and securing practical agreements that reduce human suffering.
Her proposals include negotiating humanitarian access, facilitating prisoner exchanges and establishing local truces. She also stressed the need to verify that agreements are implemented and maintained.
Nusseibeh believes the United Nations should work closely with regional organisations and trusted mediators who are well positioned to help resolve conflicts.
She said her approach would focus on achieving measurable results rather than simply keeping opposing parties engaged in discussions.
Could Become the First Woman to Lead the UN
If elected, Nusseibeh would become the first woman to serve as United Nations Secretary-General since the organisation was established in 1945.
She would also become the second Secretary-General from the Arab world, following Egypt's Boutros Boutros-Ghali, who held the position from 1992 to 1996.
In her statement, Nusseibeh said she would serve independently, engage honestly with governments and focus on delivering results.
She also highlighted the need to restore confidence in international institutions by reducing the gap between commitments and actual outcomes.
Extensive Experience in International Diplomacy
Nusseibeh served as the UAE's Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2013 to 2024.
During her tenure, she led the UAE's participation in the UN Security Council during its 2022ā2023 elected membership and served twice as president of the Council.
Her diplomatic work included negotiations on major international issues, including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In December 2023, she led a visit by Security Council members to the Rafah border crossing to highlight the humanitarian situation. She also played an important role in efforts leading to the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2720, which focused on facilitating humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.
She has additionally served as Vice-President of the UN General Assembly and President of the Executive Board of UN Women.
Her priorities include strengthening accountability, improving organisational efficiency and achieving measurable results in peace and security, development and human rights.
UN Secretary-General Race Remains Competitive
The contest to succeed AntĆ³nio Guterres is taking place ahead of the end of his second five-year term on December 31, 2026. The next Secretary-General is scheduled to take office on January 1, 2027.
According to the report, informal polling among the Security Council's members has not produced a consensus candidate acceptable to all five permanent members: the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom and France.
Former Costa Rican Vice-President Rebeca Grynspan was reported to be leading the field in the October 16 poll, although the race remained unresolved.
The selection process requires the 15-member Security Council to recommend a candidate to the UN General Assembly. A candidate needs at least nine votes and must avoid a veto from any permanent member.
Focus on Results and Global Cooperation
Nusseibeh's candidacy comes amid calls for greater representation of women in the United Nations' highest office and discussions about regional representation in the selection process.
Her campaign centres on practical diplomacy, early intervention in conflicts, international cooperation and accountability.
The outcome will depend on whether she can secure sufficient support from Security Council members as countries consider who should lead the United Nations into its next five-year term.
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