10 Tips for Making the Most of UNGA79  

The United Nations General Assembly 79 High-level Week is here! Below, we share 10 tips for making the most of the next few days, courtesy of your friends at APCO.

1. Quality over quantity: As we know, there are only 24 hours in a day, and attending even a sliver of all UNGA Week events would be close to impossible. Plan your time wisely, choose what resonates with your work, and show up in a way that allows you to be present and learn from the moment.

2. Maintain Some Schedule Flexibility: As you network around town, new opportunities to attend events, receptions, and connect with people will pop up.

3. Make yourself accessible: Plentiful networking opportunities are one of the benefits of UNGA Week. Make it easier for others to connect with you by having a QR code to your LinkedIn profile in your phone’s home screen.

4. Don’t underestimate the power of the quick sideline meeting: While most schedules are packed with pre-planned engagements, an impromptu introduction or brush-by meeting can lead to a valuable connection beyond UNGA Week.

5. Dress smart, pack light, and be sustainable. Unless you have a black car transporting you from venue to venue, comfort is key. Sturdy shoes, an AC-friendly cover-up, a pen, and a notebook are UNGA veterans’ must-haves for surviving the week. Reduce your plastic footprint by having a refillable water bottle.

6. Dress Code: Given the high-profile nature of the events and meetings during UNGA week, it’s advisable to dress more formally. September weather in New York can vary, so check the forecast and dress accordingly. A light jacket or umbrella might be useful.

7. Stay Connected: Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and you have a portable charger. Reliable communication is crucial during such a busy week.

8. Increased Security: Expect heightened security measures around key venues and prepare for protests. Always carry a valid government-issued ID and allow extra time for security checks when attending events.

9. Expect your commute to take longer: UNGA Week traffic, street closures, coffee queues and long security screening lines will delay you at every turn, so plan ahead and leave early! We recommend adding 30-45 minutes to any anticipated route.

10. Transportation Tips: The city experiences significant road closures and gridlocks, especially around the UN headquarters and midtown Manhattan. Walking or taking the subway is often faster and more reliable than using ride-share services or taxis.

Here’s to an engaging, meaningful and inspiring High-level Week ahead! If the APCO team can offer you any support on the ground, please reach out to us at UNGAcore@apcoworldwide.com.