Flagging the United Nations

As delegates and staffers gear up to tackle another day at UN Headquarters, a quiet yet stirring tradition unfolds: the raising of flags representing all Member States.

Captured in UN Photo’s Flags Avenue, you can view the full photo essay here.

Rain or shine

When weather conditions are favourable, which means above freezing conditions, the flags begin their ascent at 8am sharp.

With steady hands and unwavering resolve, UN security officers undertake the task of hoisting 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 UN’s identity and mission.

UN Photo/Manuel Elías

UN security officers in the process of raising almost 200 flags every weekday at UN Headquarters.

From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe

Each UN Member State is assigned its own place in the alphabetical lineup from north to south, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.

In 2015, the UN’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.

UN Photo/Manuel Elías

The 193 Member States of the United Nations are each assigned a flagpole, organized in English alphabetical order from north to south at UN Headquarters.

Growing traditions

When the UN 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 UN flag is raised. There’s one exception. During the UN General Assembly’s high-level week in September, the flags of the UN and the world remain flying around the clock.

What distance is covered by flagpoles representing the UN’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.

UN Photo/Manuel Elías

On weekends, only the UN flag is raised, but during UN General Assembly high-level week held in September each year, the flags of the UN and the world remain flying around the clock.

Unique reminder that no nation stands alone

When the clock strikes 4pm, 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.

UN Photo essay: Flags Avenue

UN Photo/Manuel Elías

The flags outside UN Headquarters are raised manually by UN security officers every weekday morning at approximately 8 am and lowered every weekday at around 4 pm, except in cases of bad weather.