ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopia has welcomed the candidacy of Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh to become the next United Nations secretary-general, praising her diplomatic experience and commitment to multilateral cooperation.
In a statement posted on X, Ethiopia’s foreign ministry said the country, a founding member of the United Nations, attached great importance to the organisation’s top office.
“Her distinguished service, strong commitment to multilateralism, and extensive diplomatic experience further strengthen an already impressive field of women candidates,” the ministry said.
The United Arab Emirates formally nominated Nusseibeh, its minister of state and former permanent representative to the United Nations, on October 21 to succeed António Guterres.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan submitted her nomination in a letter addressed to the presidents of the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
Nusseibeh represented the UAE at the United Nations from 2013 to 2024, including during the country’s 2022–2023 Security Council membership. Her previous UN roles include president of the UN Women Executive Board and vice-president of the General Assembly.
Her diplomatic work has covered international peace and security, humanitarian assistance, sustainable development and reform of multilateral institutions.
Guterres’s second five-year term ends on December 31. If appointed, Nusseibeh would become the first woman to lead the United Nations and the second Arab secretary-general after Egypt’s Boutros Boutros-Ghali.
The secretary-general is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. The next UN chief is expected to take office in January 2027.
(Reporting by Mohamed Duale; HornDiplomat News Desk)
