Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have discussed the UAE’s nomination of Lana Nusseibeh for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, potentially making her the first Arab woman nominated for the top UN post
The issue was discussed on Monday during a phone call between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Emirati counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. According to a statement from Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the talks also addressed developments across the Middle East.
The Egyptian foreign minister praised Nusseibeh’s nomination, highlighting her capabilities and extensive experience in multilateral international affairs. He also expressed Egypt’s appreciation for the nomination, citing the close relationship between Egypt and the UAE, and commended her qualifications and competence for the senior international position.
Nusseibeh served as the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2013 to 2024, bringing extensive diplomatic experience to her candidacy.
Beyond the nomination, the two ministers discussed regional developments amid signs of a potentially serious military escalation in the Middle East. They stressed the importance of pursuing all possible efforts to prevent further escalation and prioritizing diplomatic solutions.
The nomination places women’s representation in international leadership in the spotlight, as discussions continue over the future leadership of the United Nations following the end of António Guterres’s term.
