Lana Nusseibeh Pledges ‘Relentless Practicality’ in UN Leadership Bid

UAE candidate Lana Nusseibeh has outlined a vision of “relentless practicality” in her bid to become the next United Nations Secretary-General. In her three hours of UN Interactive Dialogue she demanded proactive diplomacy, the institutional reform and political independence of the UN and the organisation’s tangible efforts in confronting conflicts, humanitarian crises and global development.

Lana Nusseibeh UN Leadership Bid Calls for Active Diplomacy

Nusseibeh said that the real issue is whether the SG has a “passive or active role” in international crises. She has a focus on the conflict, peaceful settlement, on immediate action for ceasefire, humanitarian access, on the act, not only on public statements.

Lana Nusseibeh UN Leadership Bid Emphasises Independence

The UAE’s nominee vowed to respect the Charter of the United Nations, and represent all 193 member nations fairly, without preferring to represent either the ‘meso’ nations of Europe or the major powers. 

She has also spoken of the need to reform the Secretariat, making its activity more focused on countries’ priorities, considering the advancement of development based on the results, and not by the amount of spending.

Lana Nusseibeh UN Leadership Bid Highlights Global Crises

Nusseibeh called the humanitarian crisis in Sudan “the key issue” and proposed a peaceful and inclusive democratic transition that would benefit the nation, which would require a cease-fire. 

She emphasized on Middle East tensions the need to engage with local actors in the region, including Iran, while ensuring adherence to international law and by all parties to the exclusion of combat and violence.

Lana Nusseibeh UN Leadership Bid Focuses on Reform

Lana Nusseibeh also prioritizes the issues of youth employment and the resilience and equitable access to technology like AI at the heart of development policy through her platform. The Security Council will likely recommend on 31 December 2026 that it appoints a person for the General Assembly to succeed António Guterres, whose mandate would expire on 31 December 2026.

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