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UAE set to nominate Lana Nusseibeh to succeed Guterres as UN secretary-general, sources tell 'Post'
World🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressive3 hr. ago

UAE set to nominate Lana Nusseibeh to succeed Guterres as UN secretary-general, sources tell 'Post'

Diplomatic sources in New York indicate that the United Arab Emirates is preparing to officially nominate Lana Nusseibeh, its Assistant Minister for Political Affairs, as a candidate for the next United Nations Secretary-General. Nusseibeh, who previously served as the UAE’s permanent representative to the UN and held the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, would become the seventh official candidate in the race to replace Antonio Guterres, whose term ends on December 31, 2026. The nomination occurs during a period of intense diplomatic maneuvering among regional blocs competing for the role. Current informal polling favors other contenders, including Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica and IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi of Argentina. While the UN traditionally follows a practice of regional rotation, which currently favors Latin American and Caribbean candidates, Nusseibeh’s candidacy represents a departure from this norm without technically violating eligibility rules.

Lana Nusseibeh, a senior official in the United Arab Emirates, is positioning herself as a candidate for the next United Nations secretary general. Diplomats indicated that supporters are currently testing the waters within the organization to gauge potential backing for her candidacy. Insiders expect she might formally enter the race as soon as this week. This development adds complexity to a succession process already complicated by geopolitical divisions among major powers. Nusseibeh serves as a minister of state at the UAE foreign ministry. She previously represented the UAE at the United Nations as ambassador from 2013 until 2024. For more than a decade, she articulated national policy while the country expanded its role as a global investor and geopolitical actor. Her entry into the race comes amid criticism regarding UAE interventions in the region. Specifically, Abu Dhabi faces scrutiny over its stance in Sudan, where it has supported the Rapid Support Forces, although the government denies arming any warring factions. A critical uncertainty remains whether Saudi Arabia will oppose her nomination. Regional analysts suggest Riyadh may avoid objection as it seeks to repair relations with Abu Dhabi following disputes in Yemen. Current frontrunners have spent six months engaging in public events globally yet remain unable to secure unanimous support from the five permanent Security Council members. Each of these members holds veto power over the selection. In the latest informal voting session held last week, Rebeca Grynspan, the former Costa Rican vice president heading the UN trade and development body, received nine encourage votes. This number is sufficient to secure the position in a final vote. However, she also drew two disapprovals from members with veto rights. Rafael Grossi, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the second ranked candidate, similarly received two disapprovals. This near deadlock has encouraged other figures to consider joining the competition at this late stage. Diplomats describe Nusseibeh as the most prominent and likely the most controversial of these new entrants. Although the UAE maintains a close relationship with the current US administration, Nusseibeh may face difficulties distinguishing herself from controversies surrounding her home country's regional activities. The existing candidates continue to battle for consensus, with the stalemate persisting despite months of diplomatic engagement.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 4 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

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4 reports

Financial Times logoFinancial TimesIndependent🔒CenterFactual: no official source document/info detectedObjective 90yesterday
UAE official emerges as late contender to lead UN

A new candidate has emerged in the race to lead the United Nations, with Lana Nusseibeh, an official from the United Arab Emirates, becoming a late entrant. Supporters of Nusseibeh are reaching out to UN missions to seek their endorsement as the current field of official candidates faces difficulties in breaking the deadlock. This development comes amid ongoing discussions and negotiations among potential contenders vying for the position of UN Secretary-General.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the emergence of a new candidate for the UN leadership without overtly favoring any particular side. It reports on the situation neutrally, focusing on the fact that supporters of Lana Nusseibeh are seeking endorsements from UN missions while noting the existing deadlock among官方

Why factuality: no official source document/info detected

Why objectivity (90): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting the situation objectively without apparent bias or emotional language. It avoids taking sides or expressing opinion, focusing instead on reporting the development that a UAE official is now being considered.

PassBlue logoPassBlueIndependentProgressive3 hr. ago
UAE Candidate Is Likely to Be Asked About the Nation’s Controversies Abroad

The United Arab Emirates has formally nominated Lana Nusseibeh, its former UN ambassador and current Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, for the position of UN Secretary-General. The nomination was announced via the state-owned Emirates News Agency and confirmed through a communication from Teneo, a PR firm representing the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Nusseibeh stated that she has taken a leave of absence from her government role to ensure her independence, emphasizing that she will answer to no single government while serving the UN. As a candidate, she faces scrutiny regarding the UAE's human rights record abroad, which is expected to be raised during her vetting process. She joins five other candidates in the race, needing to secure support from all five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the nomination within the context of 'controversies abroad' and explicitly cites Human Rights Watch reports on the UAE, signaling a focus on accountability and civil liberties concerns typical of left-leaning media. It highlights the candidate's pledge to speak 'frankly' and avoid

The Jerusalem Post logoThe Jerusalem PostIndependentCenter6 hr. ago
UAE set to nominate Lana Nusseibeh to succeed Guterres as UN secretary-general, sources tell 'Post'

Diplomatic sources in New York indicate that the United Arab Emirates is preparing to officially nominate Lana Nusseibeh, its Assistant Minister for Political Affairs, as a candidate for the next United Nations Secretary-General. Nusseibeh, who previously served as the UAE’s permanent representative to the UN and held the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, would become the seventh official candidate in the race to replace Antonio Guterres, whose term ends on December 31, 2026. The nomination occurs during a period of intense diplomatic maneuvering among regional blocs competing for the role. Current informal polling favors other contenders, including Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica and IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi of Argentina. While the UN traditionally follows a practice of regional rotation, which currently favors Latin American and Caribbean candidates, Nusseibeh’s candidacy represents a departure from this norm without technically violating eligibility rules.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a straightforward report on a diplomatic development regarding the selection of the UN Secretary-General. It lists multiple candidates from different regions and backgrounds, noting the tension between the traditional practice of regional rotation and the specific candidacy of a

i24NEWS logoi24NEWSIndependentCenter21 hr. ago
UAE’s Lana Nusseibeh emerges as contender for UN secretary-general; Grynspan leads straw polls

A senior Emirati official, Lana Nusseibeh, is emerging as a potential candidate for the position of UN secretary-general, according to an exclusive report by the Financial Times. This adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing succession race, which involves significant geopolitical maneuvering. Nusseibeh, who previously served as the UAE's ambassador to the UN, is being considered despite the UAE's controversial actions in regions like Sudan, where it has supported the Rapid Support Forces. Current frontrunner Rebeca Grynspan, head of the UN trade and development body, has received strong support in recent Security Council straw polls but faces opposition from some veto-holding members. The situation remains uncertain, with potential new candidates considering entry into the race.

Bias read (Center): The article presents information objectively, discussing the emergence of Lana Nusseibeh as a contender for the UN secretary-general position alongside other candidates such as Rebeca Grynspan and Rafael Grossi. It provides context regarding the geopolitical implications and challenges associated, N

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