As world leaders descend on New York City next week for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, city officials pledged Thursday that security will be tight and disruptions for everyday New Yorkers may be unavoidable.

Mayor Eric Adams, joined by Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and other federal and city officials on the East Side of Manhattan, framed the gathering as both a logistical challenge and a moment of civic pride.

“This building represents so much for our country and the globe. It’s a place where many discussions take place to deal with major issues that we’re facing globally. And it’s a real symbol of our ability to sit down and have healthy dialogue even when we disagree,” Adams said.

Calling New York “a global city,” the mayor said that problems such as “climate change, migrant crisis, poverty, inequities, war, and epidemics” could not be solved alone. 

“We need each other, and we see that every day,” he said.

He emphasized that coordination would be extensive with thousands of officers and security personnel deployed. 

“Because as always, we remain vigilant, and we’re telling New Yorkers, security is a shared responsibility. So see something, say something, most importantly, do something, notify the authorities,” Adams said.

Closures and Disruptions

Tisch said the operation would be among the most complex the department carries out each year. 

“Over the course of the week, representatives from more than 200 countries will gather here to address urgent global challenges at a time when many regions are experiencing deep conflict and instability,” she said.

Street closures around the U.N. headquarters will begin Sunday and last through the following week. 

Tisch outlined the restrictions:

  • First Avenue will be closed from 42nd Street to 48th Street.
  • East 44th Street through East 48th Street will be closed from First Avenue to Second Avenue daily for the duration of the assembly.
  • Portions of the F.D.R. Drive will face rolling and intermittent closures as delegations move between venues.
  • Passenger vehicles and bicycles may use the First Avenue tunnel to travel north through the area.
  • A temporary flight restriction will be in effect from Sept. 21 through Sept. 27 within a two-nautical-mile radius of the U.N.; flying drones inside this restricted airspace is prohibited.

Officials urged residents to rely on public transit and allow extra time for travel.