Stone Security Service in New York was honored to be selected as one of the world’s leading security providers in New York and worldwide to secure the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly also known as UNGA.
Working the 78 United Nations detail was challenging and required lots of planning and communications with the United States Secret Service, State Department and other high-level Security agencies:
The Stone Security Team was deployed in many highly sensitive locations securing many world leaders and their family
High-Profile Attendees: The UNGA brings together world leaders, heads of state, foreign ministers, and other high-profile individuals from around the world. Ensuring their safety and security is of paramount importance.
- Terrorism Threats: New York City, like many major cities around the world, is a potential target for terrorism. The presence of so many world leaders in one location makes the UNGA sessions a high-profile event that could be attractive to terrorist groups.
- Protests and Demonstrations: UNGA meetings often attract a wide range of protests and demonstrations, both from groups advocating for specific causes and from those opposed to the policies of certain nations. Security measures are put in place to manage and ensure the safety of both the delegates and the public.
- Diplomatic Disputes: The UNGA can sometimes be a forum for diplomatic tensions and disputes between nations. Security measures help prevent any incidents from escalating.
- Secure Communications: World leaders and diplomats need secure communication channels to discuss sensitive international issues. Security is needed to protect these communications.
- Cybersecurity: In addition to physical security, there is also a need for cybersecurity to protect against hacking and other cyber threats that could compromise sensitive information.

Overall, the high level of security at the UNGA is a combination of precautions aimed at ensuring the safety of attendees and the general public and maintaining the smooth functioning of the event, given its international significance. It’s important to note that the level of security can vary from year to year depending on the specific geopolitical climate and threat assessments at the time.
- Venue Security: The UNGA meetings are typically held at the United Nations headquarters in New York City. Securing such a large and iconic venue requires a significant security presence.
- Transportation Security: Security may also extend to transportation routes used by attendees, including motorcades, airports, and other transportation hubs.
- Coordination with International Agencies: The United Nations works closely with the host country’s security agencies and may coordinate with international security organizations, such as Interpol, to enhance security during the event.
- Historical Precedence: Previous UNGA meetings have occasionally been targeted by individuals or groups seeking to draw attention to their causes or to disrupt international proceedings. These incidents contribute to a heightened sense of security awareness.
It’s important to note that the specific security measures and the level of security can vary from year to year, depending on the circumstances and perceived threats. The primary goal of the security measures is to ensure the safety of all attendees and to allow the UNGA to proceed smoothly and without disruption.
Motorcades are common at the United Nations (UN) in New York for several reasons:
- Diplomatic Meetings: The United Nations serves as a hub for diplomatic meetings, summits, and conferences involving leaders and representatives from around the world. When high-ranking government officials, heads of state, or diplomats attend these meetings, they often arrive in motorcades for security and logistical reasons.
- High-Profile Events: The UN hosts a variety of high-profile events, including the annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session, which attracts world leaders and dignitaries. During these events, motorcades are used to transport VIPs to and from the UN headquarters.
- Security Concerns: Security is a paramount concern for the United Nations, given the potential risks associated with high-profile international gatherings. Motorcades are part of the security protocol to ensure the safety of attendees and minimize potential threats.
- Efficient Transportation: New York City’s congested streets can make travel difficult and time-consuming. Motorcades allow important individuals to move swiftly through traffic, helping them arrive at their destinations on schedule.
- Protocol and Courtesy: The use of motorcades is often a matter of diplomatic protocol and courtesy. Visiting dignitaries and heads of state may expect to travel with certain security measures in place to protect them while they are in the city.
- Emergency Services: In addition to diplomatic motorcades, New York City has a significant presence of emergency service vehicles, such as police and medical personnel, that may use sirens and lights to respond to emergencies, adding to the frequency of motorcade-like movements.
- Routine Movement: Some diplomats, UN officials, and security personnel have a regular presence at the UN headquarters in New York and may use motorcades as part of their daily routines.
It’s important to note that motorcades, while serving essential security and logistical functions, can also lead to traffic disruptions and inconvenience for local residents and commuters. Local authorities typically work to minimize these disruptions by providing advance notice of road closures and detours during high-profile UN events.