As delegates and staffers gear up to tackle another day at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Headquarters in New York, a quiet yet stirring tradition unfolds: the raising of flags representing all Member States.
Rain or shine
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When weather conditions are favourable, which means above-freezing conditions, the flags begin their ascent at 8 am sharp.
With steady hands and unwavering resolve, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ security officers hoist?the flags of the 193 Member States.
Yet, the choreography doesn¡¯t conclude with this metaphor aiming for an ideal global harmony.
Throughout the day, these flags stand fluttering sentinel over bustling First Avenue, embodying the very essence of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ¡¯s identity and mission.
From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe
Each Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Member State is assigned its own place in the alphabetical lineup from north to south;?from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.
In 2015, the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ¡¯s two non-member observer States (Holy See and the State of Palestine) got assigned their own flagpoles.
All of them find representation in this symbolic display of unity.
Growing traditions
When the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ moved into the Secretariat building in the early 1950s, there were little more than 50 Member States. Today, the number has nearly quadrupled.
On weekends, only the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ flag is raised. There¡¯s one exception. During the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly¡¯s high-level week in September, the flags of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and the world remain flying around the clock.
What distance is covered by flagpoles representing the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ¡¯s 195 Member States and observers? Exactly six New York City blocks.
They run along First Avenue from 42nd Street to 48th Street in the heart of Manhattan, where the flag-raising tradition continues into the 21st century.
A unique reminder that no nation stands alone
When the clock strikes 4 pm, it¡¯s time for the flags to be lowered.
Once again, the dedication and diligence displayed by the Security Officers infuse the front of the campus with a sense of purpose, transforming a simple street scene into a significant stage for global affairs.
For those who seek to witness this unique reminder that no nation stands alone in the pursuit of a brighter world, there¡¯s no better time than a sunny winter morning or a balmy spring afternoon when this routine but meaningful ritual unfolds.
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