The United Nations General Assembly is one of the biggest events in the global development calendar, although it’s now as much about the surrounding side events as it is about UNGA itself. There are literally thousands of events happening, and such huge numbers of people arriving to participate that parts of New York City grind to a halt. UNGA is full of opportunities, but it can also feel overwhelming and chaotic. With that in mind, I asked some of my Devex colleagues, many of whom are veterans of the UNGA experience, for their top tips on how to survive it. Here’s what they said:
1. The basics. You’re going to be out all day, running from place to place, and may not be able to get back to your accommodation easily. Wear comfortable shoes and pack the following in your day bag: snacks, a water bottle, a phone charger, a U.S. plug adapter — if coming from elsewhere in the world — an extra battery pack, an umbrella, and a change of shirt.
2. Getting around. Forget taxis, advises Devex Managing Editor Anna Gawel. You’ll just find yourself stuck in traffic — which is fine if you want some time to decompress in the backseat or get some work done, but not great if you need to be somewhere in a hurry. Take the subway or walk instead.