As representatives from nearly 200 member countries prepare to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, running Sept. 22 through Sept. 28, the city announced its security plan for the weeklong global gathering on the East Side Thursday.
Ahead of global leaders discussing international issues and making decisions such as approving the UN budget and appointing the secretary-general, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, alongside NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, detailed what New Yorkers can expect during the annual event at UN Headquarters at 405 E. 45th St
The city has already issued a gridlock alert, starting Friday, Sept. 18, through the end of the assembly. Mamdani said New Yorkers should expect traffic congestion, disruptions to ferry service and closures of portions of the FDR Drive at certain times during the assembly. Metal barricades were already in place Thursday night, as were green street signs that warn “no stopping anytime.”
UN General Assembly street closures
- First Avenue: Closed from 41st Street to 48th Street.
- Cross streets: 44th Street through 47th Street will be closed between First Avenue and Second Avenue daily for the duration of the assembly.
- 42nd Street: Closed from First Avenue to Second Avenue daily while meetings are in session until approximately 9:00 p.m.
- FDR Drive: The 42nd Street exit will be blocked off, and portions of the FDR Drive may experience closures at various times.
- Exceptions: Passenger vehicles and bicycles may still use the First Avenue tunnel to travel north through the area.
Although NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said there are no known specific or credible threats, residents will see an increase in police officers deployed across Manhattan, especially on the East Side. They will also notice a full department response, with NYPD assets deployed on the ground, in the air and on the waterways.
“This is one of the most complex security operations that we carry out,” said Tisch. “And we ask every New Yorker across all five boroughs to please stay vigilant. If you see something suspicious don’t keep it to yourself. Find an officer call 911 or call the terror hotline.”
The U.S. Secret Service, along with the FBI, the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, UN police and other local and state partners, will join the NYPD to support security efforts around UN Headquarters.
“We know New York City is always a target. Especially so when thousands of international representatives are present,” said Mamdani.
Who is attending?
Among the heads of state that will be in attendance: President Donald Trump, Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump is set to address the assembly on Tuesday — which will likely make it a particularly bad traffic day.
This year’s UNGA theme is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.” Global leaders will tackle an agenda that includes international security, climate change, the fight against racism and progress toward sustainable development goals.
The centerpiece of the high-level week is the general debate, starting Sept. 22, with 14 countries — including the U.S., Brazil, Jordan, Peru and France — scheduled to participate.
