New York:Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE Minister of State and Envoy to the UN and EU, has declared her candidacy for the position of United Nations Secretary-General. This announcement follows her formal nomination by the United Arab Emirates, aiming to succeed António Guterres when his term concludes on December 31, 2026.
According to Wam, Nusseibeh's candidacy was launched following the Security Council's recent straw poll on October 16, which is part of the process to elect a new Secretary-General. In her statement, Nusseibeh emphasized the importance of determined diplomacy, highlighting her extensive experience within the United Nations and the need to bridge differences to achieve meaningful agreements.
Nusseibeh has taken a leave of absence from her role in the UAE Government to dedicate herself fully to her campaign. Her Vision Statement centers on peace and security, advocating for the United Nations to play a more proactive role in conflict prevention and diplomatic engagement. She stresses the necessity for reform within the organization to enhance its effectiveness across peace and security, development, and human rights.
Her approach involves utilizing quiet diplomacy to prevent disputes, prioritizing achievable agreements, and working with regional organizations and trusted mediators. Nusseibeh's reform program aims to make the UN faster and more accountable, focusing on delivering tangible results and reducing duplication.
In terms of development, Nusseibeh emphasizes the need for the UN to support national priorities, promote job creation, and address issues such as risk mispricing and debt solutions. She also highlights the importance of human rights and international cooperation on emerging challenges like artificial intelligence and climate change.
Nusseibeh's extensive experience at the UN includes serving as the UAE's Permanent Representative and holding various leadership roles, such as President of the Security Council and President of the Executive Board of UN Women. Her work has encompassed a wide range of areas, including humanitarian diplomacy, sustainable development, and multilateral reform.
Source Wam