Message from the president

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It is a great honor to serve as President of the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York during the 102nd year of our Society's distinguished history. I accept this responsibility with deep gratitude, humility, and a strong sense of duty.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the members of our Society for the trust they have placed in me, as well as to all those who, throughout more than a century, have contributed their dedication, vision, and commitment to making the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York one of the world's most respected consular organizations.

Being entrusted with this responsibility during a year in which the United States of America celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence makes this moment especially meaningful. It is also a great personal honor to be the first representative of the Republic of Serbia elected to serve as President of the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York.

For 102 years, our Society has served as a bridge of friendship among nations, bringing together generations of Consuls General from every region of the world. Through changing international circumstances, it has remained faithful to its founding mission: promoting dialogue, strengthening international cooperation, and advancing mutual understanding among nations.

Today, New York stands as the diplomatic capital of the world, making the role of our Society more important than ever. Our members proudly represent countries with diverse cultures, traditions, and histories, yet we are united by a common commitment to diplomacy, cooperation, and public service.

During my presidency, I will remain fully committed to the mission, values, and objectives of our Society. My priorities will include strengthening cooperation among our members, supporting newly appointed Consuls General, expanding our partnerships with the City and State of New York, the Mayor's Office for International Affairs, the United States Department of State, the Office of Foreign Missions, and fostering closer cooperation with the United Nations and the Permanent Missions.

I also look forward to introducing new initiatives that will further strengthen our Society, enhance professional cooperation, support future generations of diplomats, and increase the public visibility of the important work performed by our members. By embracing innovation while preserving our proud traditions, we will continue to reinforce the Society's role as a respected platform for international dialogue and collaboration.

The strength of our Society has always rested on friendship, mutual respect, and the willingness to work together. I firmly believe that leadership is best measured through service, partnership, and the ability to bring people together around shared values and common goals.

As we continue building upon the remarkable legacy of those who came before us, I look forward to working with every member of our Society to ensure that the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York remains a vibrant, dynamic, and respected institution for generations to come.

Thank you for your confidence, your friendship, and your continued support.

Ambassador Vladimir Bozovic, PhD

Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York