If selected, Nusseibeh would make history as the first woman to lead the global organization, pledging to act strictly in its institutional interests. Her nomination is contested due to her close ties to an authoritarian government repeatedly accused of undermining international mandates. During her time as UN ambassador, she consistently deflected allegations regarding the UAE's foreign policy record, such as violations of Somali charcoal sanctions connected to al-Shabab financing. While on a leave of absence to campaign, Nusseibeh has sidestepped questions regarding Sudan, insisting the Emirati government must answer those claims directly.
Key points
Lana Nusseibeh's campaign to become the first female UN secretary general is officially s…: Lana Nusseibeh's campaign to become the first female UN secretary general is officially supported by UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed.
The candidacy draws substantial backlash because the Emirati government faces documented…: The candidacy draws substantial backlash because the Emirati government faces documented allegations of involvement in illicit regional activities and genocide.
Critics argue Nusseibeh cannot operate independently after spending years defending her g…: Critics argue Nusseibeh cannot operate independently after spending years defending her government against credible accusations of international sanctions violations.
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A bid by the United Arab Emirates to install one of its top diplomats as secretary general of the United Nations, even as the country stands accused of supporting a genocidal paramilitary force in Sudan, has polarised opinion and left many wondering about the future of the world body’s moral authority.
The bid of Lana Nusseibeh, who is a switched-on, worldly diplomat, was pushed by UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed, autocrat and sponsor of warlords, paramilitaries and mercenaries across the Middle East and Africa, and reflects the rapacious politics of our times.
Evidence of the UAE's support for genocidal forces in Sudan has piled up for years including in the form of UN investigations, yet the Gulf state denies it all while cultivating a polished international reputation.
In September, Anthropic established with "high confidence" that the UAE was behind an influence operation targeting UN experts and critics of its role in Sudan. Given the killings and disinformation and her role in denying them, placing Nusseibeh at the head of a world body already struggling to stay relevant and stem a…
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