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Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh has emerged as a late frontrunner in the race to become the next United Nations Secretary-General, campaigning on a reformist platform focused on peace and human rights.
Since receiving her official nomination on Wednesday, the 48-year-old former state minister and UN envoy has secured strong backing from Gulf states.
If elected, Nusseibeh would make history as the first woman and second Arab to lead the world body, representing a major diplomatic milestone for the United Arab Emirates.
She brings decades of high-level diplomatic experience to her bid, having served as the UAE’s first female permanent representative to the UN from 2013 to 2024.
Colleagues praise her persistence during challenging international negotiations, with Gaza High Representative Nickolay Mladenov noting that Nusseibeh “does not give up when the room gets difficult.”
Born into a prominent Palestinian family uprooted in 1948, she holds two master’s degrees—including one in Israeli and Jewish diaspora studies—and previously defended the 2020 Abraham Accords that normalised UAE-Israel ties.
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Despite her strong credentials, Nusseibeh faces criticism over her country’s foreign policy, particularly allegations regarding the UAE’s involvement in Sudan’s civil war.
Critics and activists have scrutinised Abu Dhabi over accusations of supporting the Rapid Support Forces, which Emirati officials firmly deny.
As the UN Security Council prepares to select the next leader, Nusseibeh must navigate these geopolitical hurdles alongside five veto-wielding members who hold ultimate sway over the appointment.
