Behind every seamless United Nations conference lies an unseen operation: Captain Dorcus Lourien and her three-person Security Events Planning Unit, or SEPU for short, manage what may be the most complex logistics challenge in international diplomacy.
During this year's General Assembly week, Lourien's team coordinated 240 meetings across five days, approved nearly 10,000 tickets, and managed 46 receptions—all while fielding approximately 1,500 emails daily during peak periods.
The Bridge Between Security and Diplomacy
Every UN event at headquarters passes through this office, which is the entry point for the all the clients of the Security and Safety Service. When any of the 193 member states want to book rooms, host receptions, or bring external participants into the building, Captain Lourien's team reviews capacity, requests security assessments, and coordinates with specialized units such as K-9 and the Fire Safety Unit.
The scope extends far beyond headquarters. When the UNFCCC's annual climate conference convened 66,000 registered participants in Belém, Brazil this November, a 105-member UNDSS team deployed from duty stations spanning New York to Rome, demonstrating the same principles Lourien's unit applies daily: meticulous planning, adaptability under pressure, and unwavering professionalism.
But Lourien rejects the notion that security means obstruction. "We do not say no. We offer options," she emphasizes. Overcapacity rooms prompt suggestions for larger venues. Scheduling conflicts yield alternative dates. The mandate is facilitation, not restriction.
Six Months of Invisible Work
Planning for September's General Assembly begins in March. Events are categorized by risk level—high, medium, or low—with high-risk meetings requiring Special Security Units and enhanced protocols.
Each morning, they produce a 30-page briefing detailing every meeting's location, timing, and security requirements—a document unseen by most UN staff but essential to the security operations. The coordination extends beyond meetings: every vehicle entering premises, every external participant pass, every after-hours reception requires their approval.
This meticulous approach proved essential at COP 30 when demonstrators breached external cordons on November 11, and again nine days later when fire broke out in the Delegation Pavilions. The emergency response suppressed flames within six minutes with no serious injuries—a testament to the precision that comes from rigorous preparation.
Staffing Requirements
The unit operates by strict standards: screening lines shouldn't exceed 15 minutes, with each lane requiring three officers. During this year's General Assembly, 40 officers from other duty stations provided support. "Still, that 40 is not enough," Lourien states plainly.
Any shortfall can create cascading problems: longer lines, stressed officers potentially missing warning signs, diminished emergency response capacity. For sensitive events involving contentious political topics, Lourien must personally assure organizers—sometimes heads of state—that proceedings will remain secure, often losing sleep over the responsibility.
Every Event Matters Equally
Despite overwhelming pressure, Lourien maintains her principle: a 20-person meeting receives the same coordination support as one hosting 3,000 participants. "I cannot look down at your event and make this one important," she insists.
While the General Assembly represents the most intense period, the work continues year-round. Planning for next year's Assembly begins immediately after the current one concludes. Whether coordinating meetings at headquarters or deploying teams to climate conferences hosting tens of thousands, the Security and Safety Service of the UNHQ, through its specialized units - such as SEPU - continue to create the invisible architecture supporting international diplomacy's visible work—with the bravery, resilience, and adaptability that define the very best of the Security and Safety Services.