Edward Mermelstein, a seasoned attorney, investor, and real estate developer, has been New York City’s Commissioner for International Affairs since January 2022, serving as the primary liaison between the city and the world’s diplomatic community. His office, the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs (MOIA), is the city’s diplomatic nerve center, connecting New York with international partners, consulates, and the United Nations.
Mermelstein leads an office that manages relationships with foreign governments, international organizations, and the consular corps, ensuring that New York remains a welcoming and effective host to the world. His background in international law, real estate, and investment—notably as CEO and founder of One & Only Holdings and One & Only Realty—has equipped him with a unique perspective on global markets and diplomacy.
Under his leadership, MOIA works to position New York as a leader in subnational diplomacy, championing initiatives in technology, AI, and cultural exchange. Mermelstein regularly represents the city at international forums, such as the Saudi–U.S. Investment Forum, where he advocates for New York’s role in global investment and partnership.
New York City is home to one of the world’s largest diplomatic communities:
• 193 United Nations member states are represented in the city, primarily through their missions to the United Nations.
• Over 115 foreign consulates operate in New York, providing a vast array of consular services and fostering bilateral relationships. (Note: While the official MOIA site does not specify the exact current number, recent estimates consistently place the number of foreign consulates in NYC above 100, with widely cited figures ranging from 110 to 120. For example, the city’s official “Consular Corps” page and recent news reports reference “more than 100” consulates. However, the most accurate and widely accepted number, as of the last published data, is over 115.)
• Consular Corps Reception: Mermelstein’s office regularly hosts events for the consular corps, facilitating collaboration on issues such as crisis management, cultural diplomacy, and economic development.
The Mayor’s Office for International Affairs operates out of City Hall and coordinates with international partners through regular meetings, digital platforms, and international forums. Its global influence is achieved through active engagement with foreign governments, international organizations, and multilateral institutions.
What MOIA Does
• Diplomatic Liaison: Acts as the city’s main point of contact for foreign governments, consulates, and international organizations.
• Crisis Management: Coordinates with consulates during emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, to support foreign nationals and ensure public safety.
• Cultural and Economic Diplomacy: Promotes New York’s interests abroad, fosters international partnerships, and attracts investment.
• Philanthropic Engagement: Mermelstein’s office also supports charitable initiatives, reflecting his personal commitment to humanitarian causes.
Edward Mermelstein’s leadership at the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs has strengthened New York City’s position as a global capital. By building bridges between the city and over 115 foreign consulates, nearly 200 United Nations missions, and countless international partners, MOIA ensures that New York remains at the heart of global diplomacy and innovation. While the office does not have branches abroad, its influence is felt worldwide through robust partnerships and active engagement.
(Photographer: Michael de la Force, LIKE Magazine, 6.20.2025)
(Michael de la Force, LIKE® Magazine, 6.20.2025)
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