UAE envoy who fought for Gaza at UN to end term after 11 years

Lana Zaki Nusseibeh

Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, the UAE's longest-serving Permanent Representative (PR) to the UN, has been an influential voice on the global stage for over a decade. Her tenure has been marked by passionate advocacy, particularly for the people of Gaza during times of conflict. Now, after dedicating 11 years to diplomatic service, Nusseibeh is set to conclude her term, leaving behind a legacy of impactful initiatives and unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes.

Nusseibeh's journey at the United Nations began when she was appointed as the UAE's first female PR in 2013. Since then, she has been a tireless advocate for peace, justice, and human rights. One of her most notable contributions has been her advocacy for a ceasefire in Gaza, where she vehemently spoke out against the atrocities faced by women and children in the war-torn region. Through her impassioned speeches and unwavering determination, Nusseibeh brought attention to the plight of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire, emphasizing the equal importance of Palestinian lives and advocating for their protection.

In addition to her advocacy for Gaza, Nusseibeh has been instrumental in spearheading groundbreaking initiatives aimed at supporting countries struck by disasters. In 2023, she announced the launch of a digital response platform by the UAE to provide assistance to nations affected by calamities, showcasing the UAE's commitment to humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts on the global stage.

As she prepares to conclude her term, Nusseibeh's contributions have been recognized and celebrated by her peers and colleagues. Top diplomats from Egypt and Qatar recently hosted separate farewell dinners in her honor, praising her exemplary service and dedication to advancing the priorities of the UAE and the international community. Ambassador Osama Abdel Khalek of Egypt commended Nusseibeh as a talented and respected diplomat, highlighting the close coordination between their missions, particularly in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Similarly, Alya Ahmed Saif Al Thani, Qatar's Ambassador to the UN, expressed admiration for Nusseibeh's commitment to advancing shared objectives and fostering collaboration between their countries. The farewell dinners, attended by high-level officials including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, underscored Nusseibeh's distinguished service and the profound impact of her diplomatic efforts.

Before her role as PR to the UN, Nusseibeh held various key positions within the UAE government, including serving as Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and establishing the Ministry's Policy Planning Department. Her diplomatic career has been characterized by a deep commitment to advancing the UAE's interests on the global stage, while also championing causes of global significance, such as peacebuilding, sustainable development, and human rights.

As she concludes her tenure at the UN, Nusseibeh leaves behind a legacy of principled leadership and unwavering dedication to serving humanity. Her contributions have not only elevated the UAE's standing in the international community but have also inspired future generations of diplomats to uphold the values of integrity, compassion, and diplomacy in pursuit of a more just and equitable world.