UAE nominates Lana Nusseibeh as candidate for UN secretary-general

The United Arab Emirates has officially declared Minister of State Lana Jaky Nusseibeh as its candidate for the next secretary-general of the United Nations. According to state news agency WAM, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan formally notified the candidacy in letters to the presidents of the General Assembly and the Security Council.

Nusseibeh, a veteran diplomat, served as the UAE's permanent representative to the United Nations from 2013 to 2024, during which she also served as vice president of the General Assembly. She has also served as chair of the executive board of UN Women. During the 2022-2023 term, she chaired the Security Council twice.

Under the UN Charter, the General Assembly has the authority to appoint the secretary-general, but a recommendation from the Security Council is required before any appointment.