Society of Foreign Consuls in New York Holds Extraordinary Meeting and Establishes Annual Award

29. Oct 2026.
On October 28, 2026, at the initiative of its President, the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York (SoFC) held the Extraordinary General Assembly. Hosted at the historic Columbus Citizens Foundation in Manhattan, the event brought together representatives of 27 countries, alongside distinguished guests from the diplomatic, institutional, and business communities. The occasion also marked the establishment and inaugural presentation of the Society’s Annual Award, created to recognize an outstanding individual or institution for exceptional contributions to the diplomatic and consular community.

Through these initiatives, the Society’s new President, Ambassador Vladimir Božović, PhD, Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, demonstrated in practice his vision for the Society during his presidency: an organization open to all its members, receptive to their ideas, suggestions, and proposals, and committed to dynamic engagement and equal opportunities for participation.

President Božović emphasized, as a key priority, that every country represented in the Society should have the opportunity to showcase itself and receive support to remain visible, engaged, and active within New York’s international community. Regardless of a country’s population or the number of diplomats serving in its Consulate General, the Society should help every member fulfill its diplomatic and consular role to the fullest.

Presiding over the gathering, Ambassador Božović presented his and the Executive Committee’s shared vision for the Society’s second century, highlighting economic diplomacy, stronger institutional partnerships, inclusive leadership, and greater member engagement. He also proposed the development of a SoFC Business and Investment Forum, alongside initiatives to strengthen digital communication and international networking.

The opening session was marked by a highly productive and constructive working atmosphere, with substantive discussion, exchanges of views, and numerous proposals for future activities. Contributions came from Ambassador Gerardo A. Díaz Bartolomé, Deputy President of the Society and Consul General of Argentina, as well as the Consuls General of Russia, Türkiye, Barbados, Brazil, Malta, and Egypt, who shared proposals for strengthening the Society’s work and mutual cooperation.

The working session was followed by a ceremonial program held in an exceptionally festive and friendly atmosphere. Distinguished speakers included Mark McGovern, Regional Director of the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Foreign Missions in New York; Dame Gloria Starr Kins, President and Founder of Society & Diplomatic Review; Mark Jaffe, President and CEO of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce; and Duvi Honig, Founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Society’s Inaugural Annual Award to Kathleen Eagen, former Regional Director of the Office of Foreign Missions in New York, in recognition of her distinguished service and exceptional contribution to the diplomatic and consular community. The award was presented by President Božović.

The program was hosted by Master of Ceremonies Tijana Ibrahimović, with musical performances by Aleksandar Hadžijevski, Morena La Vecchia Galan, and Yevgeniy Dyo. Networking following the formal program provided opportunities to establish new connections and strengthen cooperation among participants.

In its second century, the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York reaffirms its commitment to international friendship, cultural and economic cooperation, and building lasting connections across nations and communities.