UAE diplomat Lana Nusseibeh has underscored the vital importance of impartiality for the United Nations Secretary-General, asserting that the role must remain entirely free from the influence of its 193 member states. Speaking during a recent interactive dialogue in New York, Nusseibeh emphasized that Article 100 of the UN Charter serves as the cornerstone for the office’s credibility. She pledged that, if selected, her only allegiance would be to the principles of the UN itself, rather than the political agendas of individual nations.

Drawing on her decade-long tenure as the UAE’s Permanent Representative, Nusseibeh highlighted her success in navigating complex geopolitical crises, such as securing resolutions for Afghan women’s rights and humanitarian aid in Gaza. She argued that true diplomacy relies on finding common ground through incremental progress, and she committed to proactive engagement in disputes before they spiral into open conflict. Furthermore, she vowed to enforce human rights standards consistently, without double standards, arguing that the institution’s future depends on its ability to rebuild public trust through transparent and effective action.

Addressing the evolving global landscape, Nusseibeh noted that traditional development assistance models are shifting, necessitating a more modern approach to funding and institutional support. She proposed a transition toward a results-oriented UN, where success is measured by tangible improvements in the lives of citizens rather than just administrative spending. By prioritizing fairer debt solutions and stronger partnerships with the private sector, she aims to lead a more agile organization capable of addressing the needs of fragile nations while restoring faith in multilateralism.