Palestine backs UAE's Lana Nusseibeh for UN secretary-general post

The State of Palestine has endorsed Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh’s candidacy for UN secretary-general, Khaleej Times reported on Monday. The move backs the UAE’s nomination of Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa. She welcomed it in a statement on X.

Why did Palestine back Lana Nusseibeh for UN secretary-general?

Palestine said it has confidence in Nusseibeh’s competence and wide experience in multilateral diplomacy. It praised her ability to build consensus and cited her work on peace, humanitarian aid and development. It also pointed to her support for Palestinian rights and the close ties between the two countries.

What did Lana Nusseibeh say about the endorsement?

Nusseibeh said she has worked throughout her career, including at the UN, to advance a political pathway for Palestinians and Israelis. The aim, she said, is for both peoples to live in security, freedom and dignity.

“I deeply appreciate Palestine’s confidence in my candidacy,” she said.

What kind of UN leadership does Palestine want?

Palestine said the UN needs strong leadership amid current global challenges. It called for “effective leadership that upholds the purposes and principles of the Charter, safeguards the organization's independence, and strengthens respect for international law.”

The statement said such leadership should also back international resolutions. It should protect the right of peoples to self-determination and to live in freedom, security and dignity.

Palestine said an Arab candidate with her experience could become the first woman to lead the UN. It described this as an opportunity to strengthen the UN’s role and its ability to meet the aspirations of peoples. It also said it would help achieve a just and lasting peace.

The statement wished Nusseibeh success. It urged friendly and fellow Arab countries to support her candidacy.

What is Lana Nusseibeh’s record on Palestine at the UN?

Nusseibeh served as the UAE’s permanent representative to the UN from 2013 to 2024. She led the country’s participation during its 2022-2023 term on the Security Council.

Her work included negotiations on humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. She played a key role in the adoption of Resolution 2720 in December 2023. The UAE-drafted resolution sought to expand aid deliveries to Gaza. It also set up a framework for a UN-led mechanism to speed up humanitarian assistance.

That month, she led a fact-finding visit to the Rafah border crossing. Current and incoming Security Council members joined the trip. It highlighted obstacles to aid reaching Palestinians.

In February 2024, she headed the UAE delegation to the International Court of Justice. The advisory proceedings dealt with Israel’s policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory. She called for an end to the occupation. She also advocated Palestinian self-determination and a two-state solution.