How to Navigate UNGA Like a Pro

On paper, the UN General Assembly is an annual convening of 193 member states, whose representatives meet in the grand, U-shaped Assembly Hall on Manhattan's east side to hash out the most pressing global priorities for the coming year.?

For everyone else, UNGA is defined by its cacophony of side events, taking place in conference centers, restaurants and event spaces around the city.?

I’ve been attending UNGA for two decades now, and I’ve learned a thing or two about navigating the chaos. Here are some of my top tips for getting the most out of what promises to be an action-packed week.?

The real action happens in the side rooms

And the hallways. Don’t underestimate the hallways.?

If you’re an UNGA newbie, you may think the important stuff is what’s on the official agenda, but that’s not the case. My advice is to avoid the long-winded official events, and instead focus on the spots where you can rub shoulders with influential leaders enjoying less guarded moments. You know where everyone has to be at some point or another? The hallways. Like the kitchen at a party, hallways are inevitably where people gather to catch up, gossip and get the scoop about what’s really going on.?

Organizations also put on a lot of great side events. The Clinton Global Initiative is unmatched in terms of star power convening from all sectors—even Pope Francis will be beamed in. I also consider our Devex @ UNGA summit to be a must-attend for those in the sector, and this year we’re thrilled to have heavy-hitters like Mark Malloch-Brown , Rory Stewart , Cina Lawson , Doreen Bogdan-Martin , Andrew Steer , Tony O. Elumelu, C.F.R , Amy Pope , Alice Albright , Paula Ingabire , James Mwangi, Vera Songwe and hundreds of others on our roster. If you can’t be there in person, you’re still invited to stream the sessions online—register here .?

And in the evenings?

The early bird may catch the worm the rest of the year, but at UNGA, it’s the night owls who win. Sure, the allure of hitting the hay by 9 p.m. can be powerful—those panels start early, after all—but you’d be doing your UNGA experience a disservice. Receptions and dinners are a great place to network in a less formal environment, so pace yourself.?

Logistics?

My colleague Jessica Abrahams has put together a great explainer aptly titled “How to survive UNGA ,” which contains lots of essential guidance on everything from mapping your events to forgoing cabs in favor of New York’s (in)famous subway system. The truly bold (or extremely late) may even consider braving the bike lanes on a Citi Bike, which are widely available across Manhattan and the best way to ensure you’re not trapped underground while the panel you were supposed to lead trundles ahead without you.

And be ready for the “walk-and-talk”: if you’re expecting to grab a few minutes with a minister or other in-demand leader, your best chance may be to join them in transit to their next event. Memorably, one of our intrepid reporters joined a CEO’s car ride to the airport in order to secure an important interview en route.

UNGA, like all major events of its size, can be hectic and stressful. But done right, it can also be incredibly rewarding and worthwhile. If you’re heading to UNGA this week, please feel free to share your top survival tips in the comments, and I hope to see you as I’m racing around town!