Jordan’s Foreign Ministry announced its support for Lana Zaki Nusseibeh’s candidacy for UN secretary-general on 26 October 2026. This formal declaration by the Jordanian government marks a significant development in the race to lead the United Nations. Following the announcement, Lana Zaki Nusseibeh addressed her vision for the international body on X. She stated, "The UN was never meant to agree with the world. It was built to help the world agree." Regarding her diplomatic focus, she added, "Throughout my career including at the United Nations, I have worked to advance a political pathway that enables Palestinians and Israelis to live in security, freedom and dignity. I deeply appreciate Palestine’s confidence in my candidacy."
Background of the Candidate
Lana Zaki Nusseibeh is 48 years old. Her professional career includes a tenure as the permanent representative of the UAE to the UN. She held this position for over a decade, serving from September 2013 until April 2024. During this period, she represented the interests of the UAE within the international body. As the permanent representative of the UAE to the UN, Nusseibeh engaged in numerous high-level diplomatic discussions and multilateral negotiations. Her extensive experience in this role provided her with deep institutional knowledge of the United Nations, which she now brings to her current bid for the secretary-general position.
Growing International Support Base
The Palestinian Authority, Lebanon, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Maldives, Albania, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have announced endorsements for the candidacy of Lana Zaki Nusseibeh. These expressions of support broaden the geographic base for her bid to lead the international organization. The support from the Gulf Cooperation Council, in particular, signals a unified stance from regional partners regarding her leadership capabilities. The backing from countries across Central Asia and the Mediterranean, such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Albania, and Lebanon, notes the diverse international coalition forming around her campaign.
Several other individuals are currently seeking the position of UN secretary-general. The list of candidates includes Rebeca Grynspan, Rafael Grossi, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Olara Otunnu, Maria Fernanda Espinosa, and Ivonne A-Baki. Each of these figures is competing to succeed the incumbent, Antonio Guterres. The field of candidates represents a wide array of diplomatic backgrounds, reflecting the global interest in the future direction of the United Nations.
Antonio Guterres is scheduled to step down from his role as UN secretary-general at the end of December 2026. His departure will conclude his tenure at the head of the organization, setting the timeline for the selection of his successor. As the end of his term approaches, the diplomatic community remains focused on the selection process for the next leader of the UN. The candidacy of Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, supported by the aforementioned nations, remains a central point of discussion as the transition date in December 2026 draws closer. The selection of a new secretary-general will be a key moment for the organization as it addresses the challenges and responsibilities defined by its charter.
