Noura Al Kaabi highlights UAE's nomination of Lana Nusseibeh for UN Secretary-General

UAE Minister of State Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi on 21 October highlighted the announcement that the UAE has officially nominated Lana Nusseibeh for the post of Secretary-General of the United Nations, as Ms Nusseibeh entered the race.

Lana Nusseibeh is one of the best-known figures in Emirati diplomacy. She served as the UAE's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York from 2013 to 2024, and represented the country during its non-permanent term on the UN Security Council in 2022–2023.

The UN Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. The term of the current Secretary-General, António Guterres, ends on 31 December 2026, making the coming months decisive in the selection of his successor.

Two days later, Ms Al Kaabi returned to the subject, highlighting the view that the UN's next leader must be given room to deliver, amid the debate over the role of the next Secretary-General.

The nomination comes amid regional debate, including a statement by Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, that objective discussion of the candidacy is legitimate and welcome. Ms Al Kaabi has served as Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since February 2023, having previously been Minister of Culture and Youth.