UAE Diplomat Lana Nusseibeh Enters Race for UN Secretary-General

Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, a 48-year-old UAE minister and diplomat with Jerusalem roots, has entered the race to become the next UN Secretary-General, succeeding António Guterres. Nominated by UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, her candidacy received immediate backing from all six Gulf Cooperation Council states. Nusseibeh, who speaks Hebrew and has studied Israeli history, could become the first woman to lead the UN. Her family has a long history in Jerusalem, with her grandfather Anwar Nusseibeh serving as Jordan's Minister of Defense and Governor of Jerusalem, and engaging in secret talks with Israeli figures like Moshe Dayan. Her uncle, Sari Nusseibeh, was a prominent Palestinian intellectual and former president of Al-Quds University.

Nusseibeh's academic path was unconventional for her background, including a Master's degree in Israeli and Jewish Diaspora Studies from the University of London, where she was described as a "brilliant student" by Professor Colin Schindler. She has worked at UNESCO, established the UAE's political planning department, and served as the UAE's Permanent Representative to the UN for over a decade, including terms on the Security Council. Despite her family's political legacy, she initially sought a different path but found herself drawn to diplomacy.

While Nusseibeh condemned the October 7th Hamas attacks and the taking of hostages, she has also criticized Israel's actions in Gaza and opposed the annexation of Palestinian territories. She was a key figure behind UN Security Council Resolution 2720, aimed at increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza, and led the UAE delegation at the ICJ hearings on the legality of the Israeli occupation. Her tenure at the UN concluded with a commendation from the Palestinian Ambassador.

Nusseibeh's late entry into the race is attributed to the deadlock in the Security Council's straw polls, with leading candidates facing vetoes. The White House is reportedly seeking a candidate who can enact significant UN reform. While there is no official confirmation of US support, former Biden administration envoy Brett McGurk has publicly endorsed her, citing her diplomatic skills and ability to achieve results. Historically, late entrants have won the position, such as Kofi Annan in 1996.

Potential obstacles for Nusseibeh include the informal regional rotation favoring Latin American candidates and criticism leveled against the UAE regarding its alleged support for armed groups in Sudan. Nusseibeh, currently on leave from her government post, has pledged to act independently if elected. Her potential election would be historic, making her the first woman, first Muslim, and first person of Palestinian descent to hold the position. Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Dani Dayan, stated that Israel is closely monitoring the race and expects the future leader to combat antisemitism within the UN.