UN: Benin backs Lana Nusseibeh for secretary-general post

Benin’s diplomatic service endorsed Lana Nusseibeh’s bid to become UN secretary-general in a post on X on October 25, citing her experience and the organization’s role in fostering dialogue among nations. The 48-year-old Emirati diplomat, a minister of state for foreign affairs, served as the UAE’s ambassador to the UN from 2013 to 2024 and held several senior positions there. Abu Dhabi put her forward on October 22; if elected, she would be the first woman to lead the UN. An informal Security Council poll on October 16 produced no consensus, while recent polls placed Rebeca Grynspan ahead of Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Rafael Grossi.