Ambassador Trifunović at the “War, Peace, and Neutrality Forum” in Geneva | Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Swiss Confederation

The Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Switzerland, H.E. Ivan Trifunović, participated in the “War, Peace, and Neutrality Forum” held at the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG). The event was organized by the Geneva Centre for Neutrality (GCN), in cooperation with the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN in Geneva and the Greater Caspian Association (GCA).

In his address, Ambassador Trifunović spoke about the evolving meaning of neutrality in the new turbulent geopolitical era, emphasizing that for small states, neutrality remains a tool of sovereignty, stability, and peacebuilding — not isolation.

Reflecting on Serbia’s declared military neutrality, the Ambassador underlined that Serbia’s foreign policy is rooted in dialogue, balance, and pragmatic engagement with all global partners — East and West alike.

He also recalled President Aleksandar Vučić’s address at the United Nations General Assembly, in which the President called for dialogue and offered Serbia as a host for talks between conflicting parties. In this context, the Ambassador emphasized that “neutrality is not the absence of a stance — it is the choice to stand for peace.”

Drawing a comparison between Serbia and Switzerland, Ambassador Trifunović noted that both nations, though different in history and scale, share the belief that neutrality can serve as an active diplomatic instrument. He pointed to the potential for joint efforts in conflict mediation, particularly within the OSCE framework, as Switzerland prepares to chair the organization in 2026.

The panel, moderated by Dr. Jean-Marc Rickli from the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) and officially opened by Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva and Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Geneva, featured distinguished speakers including Ambassador Vepa Hajiyev (Turkmenistan), Carlos A. Pereira (Club of Rome), and Lionel Dugerdil (MP, Geneva), as well as distinguished Swiss diplomat Ambassador Thomas Greminger. All participants shared their insights on how the concept of neutrality can adapt to today’s complex and divided geopolitical landscape.

In his address, Ambassador Trifunović reminded that small nations can play a major role in promoting trust and understanding — if they remain steadfast in upholding the principles of neutrality, dialogue, and peace.