Ambassador Dr. Vladimir Božović becomes the first Serbian representative to lead the diplomatic organization in its 102-year history
NEW YORK, July 15, 2026 — Ambassador Dr. Vladimir Božović, Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, has been unanimously elected President of the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York (SOFC), becoming the first representative of Serbia to lead the prestigious diplomatic organization in its 102-year history.
The election followed the Society’s Annual General Assembly and Ceremonial Session at the Consulate General of the Republic of Argentina in New York, where members approved the organization’s annual activity and financial reports before electing new leadership.
Founded in 1924, the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York is one of the oldest and most respected diplomatic organizations in the United States. It brings together foreign consuls accredited in New York to strengthen diplomatic cooperation, encourage international understanding, expand commercial relationships, and foster engagement with municipal, state, federal, and international institutions.
The gathering opened with welcoming remarks from Gerard Díaz Bartolomé, Consul General of Argentina in New York, who emphasized the importance of continued cooperation among member states and the Society’s role in strengthening diplomatic relations in one of the world’s leading international cities.
Outgoing SOFC President Maia Bartaia, Consul General of Georgia, presented the Society’s annual report, highlighting expanded programming, increased public visibility, stronger engagement among member nations, and a 63 percent increase in the Society’s budget during her tenure. She thanked members for their confidence and described serving as President as both an honor and a responsibility.
Following approval of the annual reports, Ambassador Božović was nominated by the Executive Board to serve as the Society’s next President. The nomination was then unanimously approved by the member states, making him the first Serbian diplomat ever elected to lead the organization in its more than century-long history.
His election follows another milestone achieved just one year earlier, when he became the first Serbian representative elected Vice President of the Society of Foreign Consuls, while Serbia also secured a second consecutive term on the Society’s Executive Committee, further strengthening its role within New York’s international diplomatic community.
In his inaugural address, Ambassador Božović thanked member states for their confidence and described the election as an important recognition not only for himself personally, but also for the Republic of Serbia, Serbian diplomacy, and the work of the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in New York. He said the historic achievement reflects Serbia’s growing reputation and increasingly important role within international diplomatic circles.
Presenting his vision for the Society, Ambassador Božović pledged to strengthen cooperation and solidarity among member nations while expanding partnerships with the City of New York, the State of New York, the United States Department of State, the Office of Foreign Missions, and the United Nations. He also committed to expanding public diplomacy and digital diplomacy to strengthen engagement among diplomats, governments, businesses, and communities.
Among the priorities of his presidency are establishing an annual SOFC Leadership Award, launching a Diplomatic Leadership Program, creating initiatives for young diplomats and future international leaders, and expanding programs that promote international cooperation, friendship, cultural understanding, and stronger economic relationships among nations.
The ceremony was attended by Cathy Egan, Director of the Office of Foreign Missions at the U.S. Department of State, who congratulated Ambassador Božović on his election, wished him success during his presidency, and reaffirmed the Office’s commitment to maintaining close cooperation with the Society throughout his term.
Ambassador Božović brings to the presidency a distinguished career spanning law, public service, national security, and international diplomacy. His service has included senior leadership positions within Serbia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, work involving international security cooperation, and service as Serbia’s Ambassador to Montenegro before assuming his current position as Consul General in New York.
Throughout his diplomatic career, Ambassador Božović has emphasized economic diplomacy alongside traditional diplomacy, promoting stronger commercial ties, investment opportunities, and international cooperation between governments and the private sector.
That commitment has also been reflected in his longstanding relationship with the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce and JBiz. Ambassador Božović previously participated in the JBiz Expo & Economic Forum at Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center and was later recognized during World Trade Week for his leadership in advancing international commerce, diplomacy, and economic cooperation.
According to Duvi Honig, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce and JBiz, Ambassador Božović personally called him following his nomination and election to share the historic news, telling Honig he was his first call after the election. Honig said Ambassador Božović reaffirmed that JBiz and the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce are valued partners and expressed his desire to continue expanding their longstanding relationship through personal collaboration and governmental partnerships that strengthen diplomacy, international trade, investment, and economic development.
Honig praised the appointment, calling Ambassador Božović “a true leader who is widely respected and genuinely well-liked throughout the international diplomatic community. His integrity, vision, and ability to build meaningful relationships make him an outstanding choice to lead the Society of Foreign Consuls. I have no doubt he will be an extraordinary asset to the Society, its member nations, and the international community as a whole, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in advancing economic growth, diplomacy, and international cooperation.”
Beyond diplomacy, the Society of Foreign Consuls has a long history of supporting charitable and humanitarian initiatives while serving as an important bridge between the diplomatic community and government institutions throughout New York. Its work promotes cultural exchange, educational initiatives, economic engagement, humanitarian cooperation, and dialogue that strengthens international understanding.
Ambassador Božović’s election represents a landmark achievement for Serbian diplomacy and a significant vote of confidence from the international diplomatic community. As the first Serbian representative to lead the Society in its 102-year history, his presidency marks a new chapter for one of America’s most respected diplomatic organizations while reinforcing Serbia’s growing influence in global diplomacy and international economic engagement.
JBizNews Desk | New York
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