In the aftermath of World War II, the search for a permanent UN headquarters became one of the most high-profile decisions of the era – involving world leaders, city officials, and influential figures including US President Harry S. Truman, the Rockefeller family and New York City mayor William O’Dwyer.
Before the iconic Headquarters was built, the UN operated out of a series of temporary locations across New York – including Hunter College (now Lehman College), where the first Security Council meeting took place in March 1946, and Parkway Village in Queens, a pioneering residential community that housed many UN delegates and staff.
Through rare archival footage, historic photography, and expert interviews, this film traces the early years of the UN in New York (1945–1952) and explores the deep political, cultural, and economic ties between the Organization and its host city.
As the UN marks 80 years since its first meetings in New York, this story sheds light on a defining moment in both global diplomacy and the city’s history.
Featuring:
Chris McNickle, New York City historian
Rula Hinedi, Chief of the UN Guided Tours Section
Duane Tananbaum, Emeritus Professor, Lehman College
Archival materials:
The Todd Webb Archive
New York City Municipal Archives
NY State Archives
Indiana University Moving Image Archive
00:00:00 NYC After WWII
00:01:30 Why New York Won the UN Headquarters
00:02:43 The Rockefeller Deal
00:04:23 The UN’s Early Days in New York City
00:05:43 First Security Council Session in NYC
00:06:17 Housing Diplomats in a Segregated City
00:07:54 The UN’s Legacy & New York Today
In the aftermath of World War II, the search for a permanent UN headquarters became one of the most high-profile decisions of the era – involving world leaders, city officials, and influential figures including US President Harry S. Truman, the Rockefeller family and New York City mayor William O’Dwyer.
Before the iconic Headquarters was built, the UN operated out of a series of temporary locations across New York – including Hunter College (now Lehman College), where the first Security Council meeting took place in March 1946, and Parkway Village in Queens, a pioneering residential community that housed many UN delegates and staff.
Through rare archival footage, historic photography, and expert interviews, this film traces the early years of the UN in New York (1945–1952) and explores the deep political, cultural, and economic ties between the Organization and its host city.
As the UN marks 80 years since its first meetings in New York, this story sheds light on a defining moment in both global diplomacy and the city’s history.
Featuring:
Chris McNickle, New York City historian
Rula Hinedi, Chief of the UN Guided Tours Section
Duane Tananbaum, Emeritus Professor, Lehman College
Archival materials:
The Todd Webb Archive
New York City Municipal Archives
NY State Archives
Indiana University Moving Image Archive
00:00:00 NYC After WWII
00:01:30 Why New York Won the UN Headquarters
00:02:43 The Rockefeller Deal
00:04:23 The UN’s Early Days in New York City
00:05:43 First Security Council Session in NYC
00:06:17 Housing Diplomats in a Segregated City
00:07:54 The UN’s Legacy & New York Today
We are natural partners! The EU and Australia are strengthening ties to tackle today’s geopolitical and economic challenges.
Stronger together, across continents!
In a world flooded with information, the stories that move people to care—and act—are the ones that cut through the noise.
Join us for a dynamic conversation exploring how storytelling can amplify social impact, build authentic connections, and turn complex issues into narratives that inspire change.
Moderator:
Annemarie Hou, Executive Director, UN Office for Partnerships
Speakers:
Tabitha Morton, Executive Director, UN Women UK
Bradley Archer Haynes, Global Marketing and Social Impact Chief, former Head of Brand and ED of Content for Change, Paramount Global
Intergenerational Leadership for Climate Justice and a Sustainable Future.
The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our time and without urgent action it will continue to accelerate. It is our collective responsibility to leave behind a world that is safe and livable for future generations. But there is still reason to have hope: climate solutions are now readily available and cost-effective to implement.
Meaningful youth engagement is a fundamental human right and a non-negotiable strategy to raise climate ambition. From grassroots campaigns to global advocacy, youth-led movements are sparking hope, driving recognition of urgent realities, and transforming calls for climate justice into action. This intergenerational conversation will explore why it is essential to elevate young and diverse voices in the fight for the future of people and the planet.
Speakers:
Charitie Ropati, UN Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change, indigenous climate justice advocate, and water engineer
Mary Robinson, member of the Elders and former chair, first woman President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Russell Reed, Climate Activist, We Are Family Foundation Lead Delegate & Co-Architect of the NDC Youth Clause Campaign
Moderator:
Justin Worland, Senior Correspondent, TIME
SDG Media Zone website: https://www.un.org/en/sdgmediazone
