Lead:
Ethiopia and Iraq have publicly endorsed the United Arab Emirates' nomination of Lana Zaki Naseeba for the position of United Nations Secretary-General. Ethiopia's Foreign Ministry stated on X that Naseeba's distinguished service, strong commitment to multilateral work, and extensive diplomatic experience enhance the pool of female candidates. Iraq's Foreign Ministry similarly expressed confidence in her ability to advance the UN's effectiveness in addressing global challenges and strengthening international peace and security efforts.
Details:
According to reporting from the UAE news outlet Al-Khaleej, Ethiopia emphasized its role as a founding UN member and the significance it places on the Secretary-General position. The Ethiopian Foreign Ministry framed Naseeba's nomination as a valuable contribution to multilateral engagement, highlighting her professional track record and diplomatic credentials as assets for the global organization.
Iraq's statement, also reported by Al-Khaleej, reaffirmed the country's commitment to multilateral international work and the UN's role in resolving current global crises. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry underscored its confidence in Naseeba's capacity to strengthen the organization's response mechanisms to worldwide challenges, positioning her nomination as aligned with efforts to preserve international peace and security.
The nominations represent diplomatic gestures from two Middle Eastern nations toward the UAE candidate, though the formal selection process for UN Secretary-General involves broader consultation among member states and the Security Council. Naseeba currently holds the rank of Minister of State in the UAE government.
Watch For:
Positions of the five permanent Security Council members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—as their formal endorsement or neutrality will prove decisive in any candidacy.
Statements from other Arab League member states and non-aligned nations, which together represent a substantial voting bloc in the General Assembly.
The timeline for any formal announcement of the Secretary-General election process and candidate registration deadlines.