September 24, 2025
They don’t call NYC the Crossroads of the World for nothing. Each September this island hosts the leaders of every country when they come to New York City for the United Nations General Assembly. They deliver speeches, attend meetings, hobnob with their fellow leaders, and enjoy the finer things this city offers. As for us residents, UNGA represents a big traffic jam in Midtown East and sporadic luxury vehicle motorcades winding through our neighborhoods. French President Emmanuel Macron’s ride got caught in traffic after he gave a speech at the UN on Monday night and decided to get out and hoof it to the embassy.
One thing we love about this annual get together of the World’s Movers and Shakers is seeing them up close and personal, while they’re waiting to cross a street or pausing to get their bearings after they emerge from their hotel. If you stand near the corner of E46th and 1st Avenue for a while this week you’re liable to see actual Kings and Queens, Sheiks and Sultans, and Presidents and Prime Ministers pass you by. Big shots will meet their limo on that corner, and really big shots will get door to door service. Most of the leaders will walk to 2nd Ave where they’ll pass through the ubiquitous NYPD bike rack barriers and melt into the New York City night for a stroll or maybe a bite to eat at one of the fancy restaurants in the neighborhood.
UNGA continues all week long, so you can expect traffic delays and VIP sightings throughout Midtown for a few more days.
“No matter the challenge. No matter the obstacle. No matter the hour. We must – and we will – overcome. Because in a world of many choices, there is one choice we must never make: The choice to give up. We must never give up.”
In photos: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent; Prime Minister of QatarSheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Fmr President of Ireland Mary Robinson and Fmr President of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos.
