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UAE nominates diplomat to lead UN amid criticism over Sudan and Israel policy

By · Via Middle East Eye · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The UAE has appointed Lana Nusseibeh as the new UN secretary-general, a move that faces criticism for its support of Sudanese paramilitary groups accused of genocide and Israel's Gaza operation. Nusseibeh, a former UN ambassador, has gained attention for the UAE's controversial ties with the US and other permanent UN Security Council members.

Key points

  • The UAE has nominated Lana Nusseibeh to lead the UN.: The UAE has nominated Lana Nusseibeh to lead the UN.
  • This move comes amid criticism of the UAE's foreign policy.: This move comes amid criticism of the UAE's foreign policy.
  • Nusseibeh, a former UN ambassador, has gained attention due to the UAE's controversial ti…: Nusseibeh, a former UN ambassador, has gained attention due to the UAE's controversial ties with the US and other permanent UN Security Council members.

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UAE nominates diplomat to lead UN amid criticism over Sudan and Israel policy

22 October 2026 23:35 BST

The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday formally nominated Lana Nusseibeh, its former ambassador to the United Nations, to succeed Antonio Guterres as UN secretary-general, adding a new contender to a deadlocked race.

Her candidacy has drawn immediate criticism due to the UAE's controversial foreign policy, in particular its support for parties accused of genocide.

They include the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group and Israel, which is carrying out a genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.

No candidate has emerged as a favourite for the Trump administration, so the UAE's close ties with Washington and the other permanent members could open a path for Nusseibeh.

Read more: UAE nominates diplomat to lead UN amid criticism over Sudan and Israel policy

Original source: www.middleeasteye.net

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