MBABANE, Eswatini: Eswatini’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Pholile Shakantu, has welcomed the United Arab Emirates’ nomination of Lana Zaki Nusseibeh for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, saying the time has come for a woman to lead the global organisation.
Shakantu, who has consistently advocated for a female candidate to occupy the UN’s highest office, described the UAE’s decision as an important step towards improving women’s representation in international leadership.
“I welcome the United Arab Emirates’ nomination of Lana Zaki Nusseibeh for Secretary-General of the United Nations.
I have consistently called for a woman to lead the United Nations, and this nomination represents an important step towards advancing women’s representation in global leadership,” Shakantu said.
The minister commended UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for putting forward Nusseibeh’s candidacy, noting that the nominee brings considerable diplomatic experience from her years of service within the United Nations system.
Nusseibeh served as the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2013 to 2024, during which she occupied several senior positions, including Vice-President of the General Assembly and President of the Executive Board of UN Women.
She also co-chaired processes dealing with the revitalisation of the General Assembly and reform of the Security Council. During the UAE’s 2022 to 2023 membership of the Security Council, she served twice as President of the Council.
Her diplomatic experience covers peace and security, humanitarian affairs, sustainable development, climate-related security risks, women’s affairs and multilateral reform.
Shakantu said the international community needed experienced, capable and visionary leadership to navigate the growing geopolitical, humanitarian and development challenges confronting countries across the world.
“At a time when the world faces complex geopolitical, humanitarian and development challenges, the United Nations needs experienced, capable and visionary leadership,” she said.
She further argued that the position of UN Secretary-General should be accessible to qualified candidates regardless of gender, adding that women possess the experience and leadership abilities required to head major international institutions.
“The position of Secretary-General should be open to the full range of global talent. Women have the experience and leadership capabilities to occupy the highest offices in international institutions,” Shakantu said.
Her remarks follow the UAE’s formal nomination of Nusseibeh on October 21, 2026, through a letter submitted by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the presidents of the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
The nomination comes as the Security Council continues assessing candidates to succeed the current Secretary-General, with informal straw polls already under way. The latest round was held on October 16.
Under the UN Charter, the Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. The selection process is expected to continue in the coming weeks ahead of the new Secretary-General’s anticipated start in January 2027.
Shakantu called on the international community to give serious consideration to women’s leadership in the selection process.
“I commend President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE for putting forward her candidacy.
It is time for the international community to seriously consider a woman for the position of UN Secretary-General.
The time for a woman to lead the United Nations is now.”
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