The United Nations General Assembly's eighty-first session will introduce controlled access for accredited journalists covering events in September. Entrance points, operating hours, and escort requirements will change as high-level proceedings gather pace. Accredited media will initially enter through 46th Street, before access moves to 47th Street during the Assembly week. Security screening will be mandatory for journalists and their equipment.
According to the announced media-access arrangements, accredited journalists will use designated entrances and undergo security screening from September 18-29, 2026. The entrance locations and operating hours will change as the General Assembly moves into its principal week of activities. On September 18, accredited media will enter through 46th Street and First Avenue between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. The same entrance and operating hours will apply on September 19 and 20.
From September 21 to 26, journalists will enter through 47th Street and First Avenue. The entrance will open at 6 a.m. and remain accessible until the end of the plenary. The arrangements may change for September 29. Media representatives and their equipment will undergo security screening before gaining access. All journalists approved to cover UNGA81 will receive grounds passes valid from September 18 through September 29.
The General Assembly Hall ramp will remain open from September 21 to 26, operating from 6 a.m. until the final speaker concludes in the General Assembly Hall. Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit ad hoc liaison desks will operate from September 22 to 26. Journalists requiring assistance or escorted access may use the liaison desks during that period.
External media representatives may conduct pieces to camera or short interviews in the Rose Garden and Visitors' Plaza without an escort. Journalists may also use the third floor of the General Assembly building near the Thai barge without an escort. Access to the East Lounge will require an escort arranged through the ad hoc liaison desk at the south end of the first floor.
The Media Centre will operate without reservations, placing seats on a first-come, first-served basis. Journalists are expected to plan carefully to determine whether they can reach assignments without delays. Several locations will support short interviews and pieces to camera, allowing journalists to conduct brief interviews and recorded reports while covering the Assembly.
The new media access arrangements aim to ensure a smooth and secure coverage of the UNGA81. With careful planning and adherence to the announced arrangements, accredited journalists will be able to effectively cover the high-level proceedings of the General Assembly.
Key points
- Accredited journalists will face controlled access and security screening during UNGA81
- Designated entrances and operating hours will change throughout the Assembly week
- The Media Centre will operate on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations
