Lana Zaki Nusseibeh: An Emirati Woman Aspiring to Lead the UN

Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, a senior Emirati diplomat and former ambassador to the United Nations, has emerged as a candidate for the organization’s top position. Nominated by the United Arab Emirates on October 21, 2026, she brings extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy. If elected, she would become the first woman to serve as UN Secretary-General, marking a historic milestone for the organization.

Nusseibeh served as the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the UN from 2013 to 2024. During her tenure, she held several prominent positions, including Vice-President of the UN General Assembly and President of the Executive Board of UN Women. She also presided over the Security Council during the UAE’s elected membership in 2022–2023. Her diplomatic experience spans international security, humanitarian affairs, sustainable development and institutional reform.

A significant feature of her candidacy is the collective endorsement of all six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This regional backing strengthens her credentials and could help her build support beyond the Arab world. Her nomination also raises the prospect of an Arab-backed woman reaching the highest position in the UN system.

Her prospects will depend, however, on the broader geopolitical landscape. The UAE’s close relations with Israel, formalized through the Abraham Accords, may work in her favour among certain Western political constituencies. Nevertheless, it would be premature to assume that these ties guarantee support from influential Jewish organizations or political lobbies.

Ultimately, her selection will depend on whether she can secure the necessary support in the UN Security Council, particularly from its five permanent members. Her diplomatic record and regional backing make her a credible contender, but the outcome will be shaped by international negotiations and competing geopolitical interests.