The 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly is happening in NYC from September 18th – September 22nd. Whether you’re unsure what happens during the event, or how it will impact you, we’ve compiled everything you need to know below:
What is the United Nations General Assembly?
The United Nations General Assembly is “the main policy-making organ” where all UN Member States are represented. Conversations on international issues and conflicts are discussed and elections are made, as each Member State has one vote.
What happens at the United Nations General Assembly?
Critical decisions and topics such as appointing the Secretary-General, discussing peaceful settlements, electing the non-permanent members of the Security Council, promoting international cooperation, approving the UN budget, among other things, occur at the UN General Assembly.
How many UN Member States are there?
There are 193 Member States.
What are Gridlock Alert Days in NYC?
Gridlock Alert Days refer to the busiest traffic days of the year when it’s so congested that traffic will block the city’s network of intersections.
When are NYC’s Gridlock Alert Days?
- Monday, September 18, 2023
- Tuesday, September 19, 2023
- Wednesday, September 20, 2023
- Thursday, September 21, 2023
- Friday, September 22, 2023
- Wednesday, November 15, 2023
- Thursday, November 16, 2023
- Tuesday, November 21, 2023
- Wednesday, November 29, 2023
- Thursday, November 30, 2023
- Friday, December 1, 2023
- Tuesday, December 5, 2023
- Wednesday, December 6, 2023
- Thursday, December 7, 2023
- Friday, December 8, 2023
- Tuesday, December 12, 2023
- Wednesday, December 13, 2023
- Thursday, December 14, 2023
- Friday, December 15, 2023
What streets will be closed for the 2023 United Nations General Assembly?
- FDR Drive between Whitehall Street and 42nd Street
- Area bounded by 60th Street on the North, 34th Street on the South, 1st Avenue on the East and 3rd Avenue on the West; All inclusive
- Area bounded by 54th Street on the North, 48th Street on the South,1st Avenue on the East and Madison Avenue on the West; All inclusive
- 6th Avenue between West 50th Street and West 59th Street
- 5th Avenue between East 55th Street and East 50th Street
- Grand Army Plaza between 58th Street and 60th Street
- Grand Army Plaza between East Drive and 5th Avenue
- Madison Avenue between East 42nd Street and East 58th Street
- Park Avenue between East 62nd Street and East 45th Street
- Vanderbilt Avenue between 42nd Street and 47th Street
- Lexington Avenue between East 57th Street and East 42nd Street
- FDR Drive Service Road between 48th Street and 49th Street
- East 63rd Street between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue
- East 62nd Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue
- East 61st Street between 5th Avenue and Lexington Avenue
- West 59th Street between 7th Avenue and 5th Avenue
- West/East 58th Street between Broadway and Madison Avenue
- West/East 57th Street between 7th Avenue and FDR Drive
- 56th Street between 7th Avenue and 1st Avenue
- 55th Street between 7th Avenue and 1st Avenue
- 54th Street between 7th Avenue and Madison Avenue
- 53rd Street between 7th Avenue and FDR Drive
- 52nd Street between 7th Avenue and Madison Avenue
- 51st Street between 7th Avenue and 1st Avenue
- 50th Street between 7th Avenue and FDR Drive
- East 49th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive Service Road
- East 48th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive Service Road
- East 47th Street between 3rd Avenue and Park Avenue
- 42nd Street between 7th Avenue and FDR Drive
- 45th Street between Madison Avenue and 1st Avenue
- 34th Street between 7th Avenue and FDR Drive
How should New Yorkers travel during the week of the United Nations General Assembly?
Alternative modes of transportation are highly encouraged from today through September 22 as the United Nations General Assembly brings Gridlock Alert Days. The MTA suggests New Yorkers take the subway. Plus, NYC DOT announced that the protected bike lanes along First and Second Avenues in Midtown East will remain open during the week of the UN General Assembly.