Morocco Supports Lana Nusseibeh's Bid for UN Secretary General
In a significant diplomatic move, Morocco has announced its support for the veteran Emirati diplomat Lana Zaki Nusseibeh in her quest to become the next Secretary General of the United Nations. As the current UN Chief, António Guterres, approaches the end of his term on December 31, 2026, Nusseibeh stands as a strong contender for this prestigious position, with the backing of all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. If successful, she would not only make history as the first woman to hold this office but also as the first national from the Gulf region to lead the UN.
Nusseibeh has articulated her commitment to fostering international consensus, emphasizing the importance of “preventive diplomacy” and mediation as pivotal elements of her potential leadership. She has also proposed the establishment of a mediation board aimed at enhancing the UN's capabilities in conflict resolution during her first year if elected. This vision reflects her extensive experience and dedication to international diplomacy, which she has cultivated over decades in various roles.
Born in Abu Dhabi in 1978, Lana Nusseibeh comes from a distinguished lineage, with her father, Zaki Nusseibeh, having served as an advisor to the late Sheikh Zayed and later as a minister of state in the UAE. Nusseibeh's upbringing in both the United Kingdom and the UAE has enriched her perspective, further enhanced by her academic background where she studied history at Queens’ College, Cambridge University, earning both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts.
Her career has been marked by significant contributions to the UAE's foreign policy, including her role in establishing the Foreign Ministry’s Policy Planning Department and serving as the UAE's co-special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Nusseibeh's diplomatic prowess was further showcased during her tenure as the UAE's permanent representative to the United Nations from 2013 to 2024, making her the first Emirati woman to hold this position. Her leadership experience includes presiding over the UN Security Council and serving as the vice-president of the General Assembly and president of the UN Women Executive Board.
Currently, she holds the position of Minister of State at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a role she was appointed to in September 2025. Nusseibeh is married and a mother of two, balancing her professional commitments with her family life. The competition for the Secretary General role is fierce, with six notable contenders, including Rafael Mariano Grossi from Argentina and Rebeca Grynspan Mayufis from Costa Rica, among others, all vying for this critical position within the UN.
As reported by northafricapost.com.
