Lana Zaki Nusseibeh is the United Arab Emirates’ nominee to lead the United Nations, entering a selection process where the latest Security Council poll produced no contender supported by all five veto powers.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan submitted her candidacy by letter on Oct. 21 to the General Assembly and Security Council, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported. Nusseibeh served as the UAE’s permanent representative to the UN from 2013 to 2024 and chaired the Security Council twice during the country’s 2022-23 term, WAM said. EconoTimes previously covered the UAE’s announcement of her nomination.
Article 97 of the UN Charter sets out the appointment process: the Security Council recommends a candidate, then the General Assembly appoints the secretary-general. A nomination does not itself secure the post.
The Oct. 16 straw poll took place before Nusseibeh was nominated and included seven candidates. The Associated Press reported that Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan received nine “encourage” votes, alongside two “discourage” votes from permanent members. None of the candidates had support from all five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, each of which can veto a recommendation.
The Associated Press has reported that regional considerations have figured in past selections and that Latin America had been expected to have its turn. The UN’s public candidate page had not yet listed Nusseibeh when checked, and recorded Burundi’s withdrawal of Macky Sall’s nomination on Oct. 20.
Before announcing her candidacy, Nusseibeh told Reuters the next secretary-general should “recommit to the future of multilateralism.” The Associated Press said another straw poll was expected the following week. Reuters reported on Oct. 21 that Council members were still discussing whether to hold it Friday, Oct. 23, or later.
António Guterres’ term ends Dec. 31, 2026. His successor is expected to take office Jan. 1, 2027.
