海角大神

For the United States Secret Service, it鈥檚 a 鈥渞ecurring national special security event.鈥�

For world leaders, it鈥檚 the biggest global stage of the year.

For diplomats, journalists, and New York residents who brace for the annual onslaught of street closures, motorcades, and marches, it鈥檚 simply UNGA, the United Nations General Assembly.

And after three years of virtual or hybrid events, UNGA is back. In fact, it will be the largest since 2015, according to the U.S. Secret Service, which is charged with protecting 151 heads of state or government.

As the Monitor鈥檚 diplomatic correspondent, I鈥檝e covered UNGA for two decades. Each one is different, a reflection of the global issues and international political intrigues of the moment. And each one seems to have its stars, naughty and nice.

I鈥檒l never forget 2005, when Venezuela鈥檚 President Hugo Ch谩vez took the General Assembly stage a day after U.S. President George W. Bush 鈥� and informed a shocked audience that he could still smell the 鈥渟ulfur鈥� of 鈥渢he devil who came here yesterday.鈥�

This year鈥檚 star is likely to be Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, attending in person for the first time, embodying his country鈥檚 defiance of Russian aggression. A big question among us journalists: Will Mr. Zelenskyy stick to his trademark army-olive-green T-shirt to give his speech, or will he put on a suit?

U.N. Secretary-General Ant贸nio Guterres told journalists last week that UNGA is a place to get things done and not a 鈥渧anity fair鈥� for leaders to make a splash.

That might be news to some leaders here.