Lana Nusseibeh vows to bring "relentless practicality" to UN as Secretary General

UAE candidate Lana Nusseibeh has highlighted her goal of bringing the "stubborn optimism and relentless practicality of a bridge-building diplomat" to the role of UN Secretary-General.

During her remarks at a UN interactive dialogue with member states in New York, Nusseibeh focused on strengthening diplomacy, reforming the institution, and rebuilding trust in it.

"We need a UN that is ambitious about its purpose and disciplined about where it makes the greatest difference, doing less where others can deliver, more where only it can," said Nusseibeh.

She also pledged to defend human rights without double standards and stressed the independence of the Secretary-General’s office.

Meanwhile, at a media stakeout after her session, she said she would take political risks if selected as Secretary-General.

She added that the United Nations needs a geopolitical leader amidst the regional and international developments.