All six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council have thrown their support behind the United Arab Emirates’ nomination of senior diplomat Lana Zaki Nusseibeh to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations.
Announced by GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi on 22 October 2026, the decision brings Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE behind a single candidate. It also signals the Gulf states’ intention to play a more prominent role in international diplomacy at a time when the UN faces mounting pressure over conflicts, humanitarian emergencies and divisions among major powers.
Nusseibeh, the UAE’s Minister of State, entered the race on 21 October. She previously served as the country’s permanent representative to the UN from 2013 to 2024 and was closely involved in the UAE’s diplomatic work during its 2022–2023 term on the Security Council.
Her experience within the UN system gives her campaign a solid foundation. The unanimous GCC endorsement adds to that platform, although it remains to be seen whether she can secure support beyond the region.
The selection process is not decided by regional endorsements alone. The Security Council must recommend a candidate before the General Assembly makes the formal appointment. Its five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States—hold veto power, making their positions particularly important.
For Nusseibeh, the next challenge is turning Gulf backing into wider international confidence.
GCC PRESENTS A UNITED DIPLOMATIC FRONT
The unanimous endorsement is notable because the six GCC countries have different foreign-policy priorities, economic interests and international relationships. Their decision to support the same candidate presents a coordinated diplomatic front.
Albudaiwi said the endorsement reflected the member states’ commitment to multilateral cooperation and their desire to strengthen the UN’s role in maintaining international peace and security. He also highlighted Nusseibeh’s diplomatic experience and her ability to work with countries holding different positions.
The move fits into a broader effort by Gulf states to expand their influence in international affairs. From regional conflict resolution and humanitarian assistance to energy security, trade and investment, GCC members have become increasingly active in diplomatic discussions.
Supporting a candidate for the UN’s highest administrative position gives the bloc another opportunity to make its voice heard.
Still, regional unity does not automatically translate into international consensus. Countries outside the GCC will consider their own priorities, including conflict prevention, humanitarian protection, institutional reform and the independence of the UN Secretariat.
For now, the endorsement is an important political signal rather than a guarantee of success. The six Gulf states have agreed on their preferred candidate, but the wider UN membership and the Security Council will play decisive roles in determining the outcome.
WHO IS LANA ZAKI NUSSEIBEH?
Nusseibeh is one of the UAE’s most experienced diplomats, with a career focused largely on international relations and multilateral diplomacy.
She served as the UAE’s permanent representative to the United Nations for more than a decade, from 2013 to 2024. During the country’s Security Council membership in 2022 and 2023, she presided over the Council twice. She has also served as a vice-president of the UN General Assembly and as president of the Executive Board of UN Women.
Supporters point to this background as a major strength. The secretary-general must work with governments, international agencies and humanitarian organisations, often in situations where political disagreements make cooperation difficult.
The job also involves managing the UN Secretariat, representing the organisation internationally and using diplomatic influence to help prevent or resolve conflicts.
Nusseibeh has emphasised the need for a UN that can do more than respond to crises after they erupt. Her campaign is expected to focus on rebuilding confidence in multilateral cooperation, improving the organisation’s response to emergencies and making international diplomacy more effective.
However, serving as a national representative and leading an international organisation are very different responsibilities. If appointed, she would be expected to serve the UN as a whole, rather than advance the interests of the government that nominated her.
Her ability to demonstrate independence and build trust across the organisation’s diverse membership will therefore be central to her campaign.
THE RACE TO SUCCEED ANTÓNIO GUTERRES
The contest comes as António Guterres approaches the end of his second five-year term on 31 December 2026. His successor will inherit an organisation dealing with geopolitical rivalries, humanitarian emergencies, financial pressures and continuing criticism of its ability to prevent or resolve conflicts.
Nusseibeh faces competition from other diplomatic figures reported to be in the race, including Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, Argentina’s Rafael Grossi, Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Uganda’s Olara Otunnu. The field and the level of support for individual candidates may change as the selection process develops.
There is no worldwide popular vote for the position. Candidates must navigate diplomatic consultations and informal polls among Security Council members before the Council recommends a nominee to the General Assembly.
The five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States—can each block a candidate through their veto power. As a result, a nominee needs more than regional support; they must also be acceptable to the major powers.
Nusseibeh’s entry gives the UAE and the GCC a candidate with extensive UN experience. But her campaign will need to reach beyond the Gulf and convince countries with different political interests that she can lead the organisation impartially.
The central question is whether the GCC’s united position can become the starting point for a broader international coalition.
WHAT HER CANDIDACY COULD MEAN FOR THE GULF
The GCC’s endorsement reflects a shared interest in making the region’s diplomatic influence more visible on the international stage.
If Nusseibeh wins the position, it would mark a major milestone for Emirati diplomacy and bring greater attention to the Gulf’s role in global discussions on peace and security. Even if she does not secure the appointment, her candidacy could help the region build diplomatic relationships and engage more directly in debates about UN reform.
The nomination also reflects a wider trend: countries outside traditional centres of global power are seeking a stronger role in international institutions.
However, the secretary-general is not expected to act as a representative of their home country or the government that nominated them. The position demands impartiality, independence and the ability to engage with all UN member states, including those that disagree with the candidate’s government.
For the GCC, the longer-term value of this effort may depend on whether the six countries continue working together on international security, humanitarian challenges and institutional reform, regardless of the outcome of this particular race.
SCRUTINY OVER SUDAN AND UAE FOREIGN POLICY
Nusseibeh’s candidacy is also likely to bring renewed attention to the UAE’s foreign policy, particularly allegations surrounding Sudan’s ongoing conflict.
The UAE has faced accusations of providing support to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group accused of widespread abuses. The UAE has denied providing military support to the group.
These allegations could become part of the wider debate surrounding Nusseibeh’s nomination because of her senior role in representing the UAE internationally.
Supporters may argue that her diplomatic background would help her navigate difficult disputes. Critics, meanwhile, may question whether a candidate closely associated with a government’s foreign policy can command the confidence of countries concerned about its actions.
Those concerns are political questions, not proof that she would be unable to act independently as secretary-general. Her responses to questions from UN member states, along with her stated priorities and diplomatic record, are likely to receive close attention.
The issue highlights a broader challenge for anyone seeking the position: candidates must show that they can engage with governments on contentious matters while protecting the credibility and independence of the United Nations.
THE UN LEADERSHIP TEST: PEACE, TRUST AND REFORM
The next secretary-general will take office in a difficult international environment.
The UN faces ongoing wars, humanitarian emergencies, disagreements among major powers and disputes over the application of international law. Member states are also pressing for improvements to peacekeeping, conflict prevention, funding and the organisation’s decision-making structures.
The secretary-general has limited power to force governments to change course. Much of the role depends on diplomacy, access to political leaders, the ability to bring international attention to urgent issues and the willingness of member states to cooperate.
For Nusseibeh, the challenge would be to show how her diplomatic experience could produce practical results.
Possible priorities include strengthening early-warning and mediation efforts, improving humanitarian access, keeping dialogue open between rival powers and making the UN’s administrative systems more responsive. Progress on these issues, however, would depend on negotiations with member states whose expectations often differ sharply.
The next leader will need more than a strong diplomatic résumé. Political judgement, patience and the ability to maintain trust during difficult negotiations will be just as important.
RISKS: WHAT COULD SHAPE THE OUTCOME?
1. Opposition from a permanent Security Council member
Even with strong regional backing, Nusseibeh’s campaign could be blocked if any of the five permanent Security Council members uses its veto. Support from major powers will be crucial.
2. Limited support outside the GCC
The six Gulf states have united behind her, but the UN represents a much wider membership. She will need to demonstrate that her priorities appeal to countries across different regions and political groupings.
3. Controversy over UAE foreign policy
Questions about Sudan and other regional issues could influence diplomatic consultations. How Nusseibeh addresses these concerns may affect perceptions of her independence and suitability for the position.
4. Competition from other candidates
Other contenders bring their own experience, relationships and support networks. Informal Security Council polls and diplomatic negotiations could change the balance of the race.
5. Disagreements over UN reform
Member states remain divided over the organisation’s funding, priorities and institutional structure. These differences could make it difficult for any candidate to build a broad consensus.
6. Expectations beyond the secretary-general’s powers
The secretary-general can facilitate negotiations, raise concerns and encourage cooperation, but cannot independently compel governments to comply with every UN decision. Limited progress on major conflicts could leave the next leader facing criticism.
7. Confusing regional endorsement with appointment
The GCC’s unanimous backing is politically significant, but it does not settle the contest. The formal selection process still depends on a Security Council recommendation followed by appointment by the General Assembly.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
Security Council consultations: Watch for informal polls and indications of where the five permanent members stand on the candidates.
Nusseibeh’s campaign priorities: Look for more detailed proposals on conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance, UN reform and restoring confidence in multilateral diplomacy.
Support beyond the Gulf: Endorsements from countries outside the GCC and other regional groups could help show whether her candidacy is gaining wider traction.
Questions surrounding Sudan: Her responses to allegations concerning the UAE’s role in the conflict may become an important part of the debate.
The competing candidates: Track developments in support for Rebeca Grynspan and other contenders as consultations continue.
The formal selection process: Watch for the Security Council’s recommendation and the subsequent General Assembly appointment.
Continued GCC coordination: The six countries’ future cooperation on international security and UN reform will indicate whether their united position extends beyond this nomination.
FACT CHECK METER
96% — Strong factual basis, subject to ongoing verification
Officially confirmed
The GCC announced unanimous support for the UAE’s nomination on 22 October 2026.
Lana Zaki Nusseibeh is the UAE’s Minister of State and a former permanent representative to the United Nations.
She served during the UAE’s 2022–2023 Security Council membership and presided over the Council twice.
The secretary-general is appointed by the General Assembly following a Security Council recommendation.
Important distinctions
GCC backing does not guarantee Nusseibeh’s appointment.
The permanent Security Council members retain veto power over the recommendation process.
Allegations about the UAE’s role in Sudan remain disputed, and the UAE denies providing military support to the RSF.
The final outcome of the selection process remains uncertain.
AWX Verdict: The GCC’s unanimous endorsement provides Nusseibeh with a significant regional platform. Whether she can turn that backing into the UN’s top job will depend on wider international support, Security Council negotiations and her ability to address concerns about UAE foreign policy and the independence expected of the secretary-general.
THE AWX BOTTOM LINE
The GCC’s unanimous backing of Lana Zaki Nusseibeh marks a coordinated diplomatic effort by all six Gulf states to support the UAE’s bid for the United Nations’ highest leadership position.
Her years of experience within the UN system give her a credible foundation for the campaign. The endorsement also underlines the Gulf’s ambition to play a more visible role in international diplomacy and discussions about the future of multilateral institutions.
But regional support alone will not decide the outcome. Major-power calculations, competing candidates, scrutiny of UAE foreign policy and the need to build confidence across the wider UN membership will all influence the race.
The coming weeks should offer a clearer picture of whether the GCC’s united position can help Nusseibeh build a broader coalition or whether geopolitical divisions will limit her chances.
The Gulf states have made their choice. The next challenge is to turn that regional backing into international support for the next leader of the United Nations.
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