SoFC Investment & Banking Networking Forum 2026

The Forum was hosted by Ambassador Dr. Vladimir Božović, President of the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York (SoFC) and Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York.

In his remarks, Dr. Božović emphasized that diplomacy today has an important role in building bridges between states, institutions, companies, investors, and financial centers.
“We diplomats need to be bridge builders” — connecting countries with New York, banks with partners, diplomats with investors, ideas with capital, and, most importantly, people with people.

Speaking about New York as one of the world’s leading financial centers, Dr. Božović noted that “New York is much more than a city. New York is an idea” — a place that brings together people of different nations, cultures, and professions and creates opportunities to turn ideas into concrete possibilities.

The evening brought together prominent members of the international financial and business community, with discussions focused on developing new professional connections, investment opportunities, and international partnerships.

The Forum also provided an opportunity to highlight new initiatives within the SoFC and to further strengthen the Society’s cooperation with New York’s financial, business, institutional, and academic communities.
“Maybe one conversation tonight will become a project. Maybe one introduction will become an investment. Maybe one handshake will become a partnership between two countries. Great things very often begin exactly that way,” Dr. Božović said.

Special appreciation was extended to the hosts, partners, and all participants for their hospitality, support, and contribution to the successful gathering of the diplomatic, financial, and business communities.