Nusseibeh is UAE’s first female Permanent Representative to UN

At the end of the credentials ceremony, the Secretary-General discussed with Ambassador Nusseibeh aspects of joint cooperation between the United Nations and the UAE and ways of promoting them in different areas.

Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Permanent Representative of United Arab Emirates presents her credentials to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. -Wam

During the meeting, Ban Ki-moon commended the UAE’s efforts on international and regional levels, especially in areas of peace and security, development and renewable energy, humanitarian assistance and the empowerment of women.

He expressed his delight to receive the first female Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations in New York, and viewed her assignment as a reflection of the increasingly prominent role played by Emirati women in the UAE society.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Nusseibeh took the opportunity to convey the greetings of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister.

She reiterated the UAE’s continued commitment and adherence to the principles and objectives of the UN and its importance in global affairs. The discussion also covered a number of issues, including the central role of the UN on Syria, with the UAE offering its support to the UN at this critical juncture.

Speaking on the occasion, Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said: “We are delighted Ambassador Nusseibeh is now representing the UAE at the United Nations. The UAE has long played an active role in the international community and will continue to play such a role. We are looking forward to strengthening our partnership with the organisation at this critical juncture”.

Ambassador Nusseibeh said: “I am privileged to represent the United Arab Emirates as we strengthen our engagement with the key challenges facing our region and the world, security, disarmament, human rights, women’s empowerment and sustainable development.”

She added: “We look forward to working with the exceptional men and women of the United Nations and our fellow Member States to advance an agenda that seeks global stability and prosperity through collective action.”

Prior to her appointment, Ambassador Nusseibeh served in a number of capacities within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, most recently launching the Ministry’s Policy Planning Department and serving as its first Director. During her tenure at the ministry, she was Deputy Sherpa for the UAE’s participation in the G-20, Co-UAE Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Member of the UK-UAE Ministerial Taskforce, and Member of the Foreign Ministry’s Special Committee on Syria.

Previously, Nusseibeh served as the Head of the Irena (International Renewable Energy Agency) Task Force, where she contributed to the international diplomatic effort to win the bid to host the headquarters of the newly established International Renewable Energy agency in Abu Dhabi.

She received an MA in History from the University of Cambridge in the UK and an MA with Distinction from London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).