On September 19, global leaders descended upon New York City for the 2017 General Assembly of the United Nations. This week, the most power figures in international politics are discussing and debating the most critical issues affecting countries across the world, and the event is being closely-watched by many. To some New Yorkers, the chaos of UN week is mostly relegated to the street closures and subsequent traffic delays. But to others—and to the rest of the world—the dialogue also rests with the protesters who have flooded Dag Hammarskjold Plaza in an effort to capture the UN’s attention.
Only two days into the General Assembly, the following images show these activists coming out in force. And, despite Donald Trump’s speech—which many found to be inflammatory—most of these issues are much larger (and longer-lasting) than the 45th president of the United States.