Who does Ukraine’s presidential office favor for the next UN secretary-general?
The current secretary-general, António Guterres, will step down in two months. The United Nations has long faced legitimate criticism for inaction, and should Hungary’s former prime minister Viktor Orbán enter the race, scrutiny would intensify.
If such a scenario materializes, the UN risks being perceived as a platform serving the interests of Putin and other authoritarian leaders.
Which candidate would Ukraine find acceptable? According to reports, Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential administration, considers Lana Nusseibeh, an Emirati diplomat, to be an ideal contender for the role, and her prospects are gradually gaining momentum.
Nusseibeh has consistently voiced support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, opposed the use of force to alter borders, and advocated for effective negotiations. Her positions align with Kyiv’s core objective: achieving a sustainable end to the war under acceptable terms.
Beyond her stated principles, as a seasoned diplomat, Nusseibeh is seen as capable of enhancing the UN’s role in the Russia-Ukraine peace process. Her campaign platform includes commitments to strengthen the UN’s engagement in peacemaking efforts, facilitate prisoner exchanges, secure humanitarian agreements, and lay groundwork for broader peace accords—key reasons why she is viewed favorably by Ukraine’s presidential office.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1880274425474052/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.