IN NEW YORK, SERBIAN IS SPOKEN: Consul Božović hosts major investment forum, more than 100 guests from the diplomatic corps and business community!

Ambassador Dr. Vladimir Božović, President of the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York and Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, hosted the SoFC Investment & Banking Networking Forum 2026, which brought together more than 100 representatives of the diplomatic, banking, investment and business sectors.

The forum was organized with the aim of connecting the diplomatic community with representatives of New York’s financial, banking and investment sectors, creating opportunities for new contacts and the exchange of ideas, and contributing to the development of future business and international partnerships.

In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Dr. Vladimir Božović emphasized that diplomacy today plays an important role not only in traditional political and international relations, but also in building bridges between countries, institutions, companies, investors and financial centers.

“ We diplomats should be bridge builders,” Dr. Božović said, emphasizing that diplomatic experience and knowledge of countries, institutions, cultures and decision-making processes can play a significant role in connecting economies and creating new opportunities for economic cooperation.

Speaking about the importance of New York, Dr. Božović emphasized that the city is much more than one of the world’s leading financial centers.

“New York is much more than a city. New York is an idea,” Dr. Božović said, pointing to its unique ability to bring together people of different nations, cultures and professions and provide them with a space to turn their ideas into concrete opportunities.

A special part of his address focused on the relationship between capital, trust and international relations. Referring to his recent participation in the SuperReturn Private Wealth US West conference in Los Angeles, Dr. Božović pointed out that in an increasingly fragmented world, returns alone are not enough for capital.

“It needs trust. It needs reliable relationships. It needs knowledge of people, countries and institutions,” Dr. Božović emphasized, adding that diplomacy can play a significant role precisely in this area.

According to him, the future of international economic cooperation depends not only on available capital, but also on the ability to build networks of trust around that capital.

“To connect our countries with New York. To connect our banks and financial institutions with American partners. To connect diplomats with investors. To connect ideas with capital. And, perhaps most importantly, to connect people with people,” said the SoFC president.

The event was attended by numerous prominent representatives of the international financial, business and diplomatic community.

Among the speakers were Dvani Shrivastava, owner and CEO of International Merchant Bank, Lu Zhou, founder and CEO of Vanquour Wealth Management, and Garth Kintworth, Chief Representative of the Absa Bank Limited Representative Office in New York.

A special contribution to the presentation of the international business community was made by Srđan Srdanović, one of the directors of SkyHighGrowth, who presented the company and its business activities during the forum. The company’s founder and owner, Predrag Knežević, was in Belgrade at the time the forum was held.

Among the distinguished guests was also Tarek Nahas, founder and representative of Grand Designs NY.

Ambassador Dr. Vladimir Božović expressed special gratitude to Tarek Nahas and Grand Designs NY for their support and sponsorship, which made a significant contribution to the organization of this gathering of the diplomatic, financial and business communities.

The forum was also attended by Samat Umirzakov, President of the NYC Global Chamber of Commerce, whose participation further contributed to connecting New York’s international diplomatic and business communities.

The presence of representatives from various sectors — from finance, banking and investment to technology, international trade and entrepreneurship — confirmed the importance of such gatherings for creating new professional contacts and opportunities for cooperation.

During the evening, Ambassador Dr. Vladimir Božović introduced Marko Katalan, who will serve as the personal assistant and special adviser to the President of the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York (SoFC).

As part of his engagement, Marko Katalan will provide direct organizational and advisory support to the SoFC president and contribute to initiatives aimed at strengthening international ties, cooperation with the business, financial and institutional communities, and the development of new partnerships.

He will make his knowledge and experience in law and business available to the president and the Society, contributing to the preparation and implementation of various initiatives, meetings and projects.

His engagement will be entirely pro bono and voluntary, without compensation, as a personal contribution to the work of the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York and its international, institutional and business activities.

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