Unrecognizable Turtle Bay: the UN headquarters, nestled on the banks of the East River, rings hollow in this early New York autumn.
The sirens of ambulances in the distance have replaced those of convoys of smoked-glass sedans connecting Midtown hotels to the tall glass building on 42nd Street.
For the first time in three quarters of a century, the endless UN “high mass” in September will not take place.
At least not the
“high-level week”
where the heads of state and government of the planet meet in flesh and blood.
The coronavirus and the extreme caution of the New York authorities got the better of this essential moment in world politics.
Since last week, UN technicians have been receiving pre-recorded speeches from certain leaders.
Instructions were given not to exceed 15 minutes.
Read also:
Stunned by the Covid, New York is slowly emerging from its lethargy
The list of speakers spans an entire week, from September 22 to 29, inaugurated by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Tuesday morning.
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