UAE nominates diplomat Lana Nusseibeh to be next UN chief, potentially breaking deadlock

The United Arab Emirates has formally nominated diplomat Lana Nusseibeh to be the next UN secretary-general, potentially breaking the deadlock after six rounds of voting failed to produce a consensus candidate. Nusseibeh, a former UAE ambassador to the UN, would be the first female secretary-general and first of Palestinian descent. Her candidacy may face pushback over allegations of UAE support for the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan.

The United Arab Emirates has formally nominated diplomat Lana Nusseibeh to be the next UN secretary-general, potentially breaking the deadlock in the election to replace Antonio Guterres. The nomination was submitted in a letter by UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed to the heads of the UN General Assembly and Security Council, after six rounds of voting failed to produce a candidate acceptable to all five permanent Security Council members. US President Donald Trump's administration reportedly opposed all seven previous contenders, but Washington's close relationship with the UAE may help produce a consensus candidate. Nusseibeh, 48, is a widely-regarded diplomat who served as the UAE's ambassador to the UN from 2013 to 2024 and currently serves as minister of state in the Emirati foreign ministry. She would be the first female secretary-general and the first of Palestinian descent. Her candidacy may face pushback over allegations that the UAE supported the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, which Abu Dhabi denies. Nusseibeh told Reuters she had taken leave from her UAE post and would focus on Sudan's humanitarian crisis. The nomination also goes against the traditional regional rotation, which would select a representative from Latin America. Nusseibeh announced her candidacy on Wednesday, stating she believes the UN needs someone "relentless in the pursuit of diplomacy."