Concept Note

The Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the United Nations in Geneva, in partnership with the Geneva Centre for Neutrality (GCN) and the Greater Caspian Association / Caspian Week Forum is honored to co-organize this Forum devoted to the role of Neutrality in today’s world.

In a world defined by geopolitical volatility, rapid technological transformation, and deep economic interdependence, neutrality is no longer a static concept but a strategic choice with global consequences. This Forum will convene policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, and thought leaders to examine how neutrality can evolve as a framework for security, trust, and sustainable cooperation. Through high-level dialogue, case studies, and forward-looking discussions, participants will explore the opportunities, challenges, and global relevance of neutrality for states, businesses, and multilateral institutions.

Date: 10 October 2025

Location: United Nations Office in Geneva, Building A, Room XVI

Registration link: Indico.UN

RSVP Contact: Ms. Anita Halnazarova halnazarova@turkmenistanmission.ch

Program Structure (One-Day Symposium)

09:00 – 09:30 Registration and welcome coffee

09:30 – 09:45 Welcome speech of the organizers

09:45- 10:15 Keynote speeches

10:15 – 12:15 Session 1: Neutrality in modern world

12:15 – 14:00 Networking lunch

14:00 – 15:30 Session 2: Neutrality, business, and strategic assets

15:30 – 15:45 Networking break

15:45 – 17:15 Session 3: Neutrality and AI: Security, innovation, governance

17:15 – 17:30 Closing remarks

17:30 – 18:00 Networking Cocktail

Keynote speeches:

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Former Prime Minister of Malaysia and Chairman of Non-Alignment Movement
Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva

Session 1: Neutrality in the modern world

This session will explore the evolving role of neutrality in a fractured geopolitical landscape marked by conflicts, shifting alliances, and multipolar competition. It will assess whether true neutrality remains attainable and how it can serve as a stabilizing force in diplomacy and conflict resolution. Drawing on the Swiss experience and the Geneva tradition, the discussion will highlight how values, pragmatism, and active engagement can turn neutrality from a defensive posture into a proactive diplomatic strategy fostering trust and dialogue.

Speakers:

Vepa Hajiyev, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Swiss Confederation and Permanent Representative to the UNOG
Nicolas Ramseier, President of the Geneva Center for Neutrality
Lionel Dugerdil, Member of the Parliament of Geneva, and candidate to the Council of State
Ivan Trifunović, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Switzerland
Carlos A. Pereira, Secretary General, The Club of Rome.

Moderator: Jean-Marc Rickli, Head of Global and Emerging Risks, GCSP

After Networking Lunch

Keynote speech: Thomas Greminger, Swiss Ambassador and Director of GCSP

Session 2: Neutrality, business, and strategic assets

Neutrality is more than a diplomatic principle. It is a strategic economic instrument shaping trade, investment, and long-term stability. This session will explore how neutral states reconcile ethical responsibility with strategic and economic interests, showing how trust, values, and neutrality can coexist as foundations of prosperity and peace.

Speakers:

Galib Israfilov, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the UNOG
Olga Algayerova, Ambassador, Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe
Murat Seitnepesov, President of the Greater Caspian Association / Caspian Week Forum
Nicolas Walder, Member of the Parliament of Switzerland and candidate to the Council of State
Michael Schumann, Chairman of the Board of the Federal Associa-tion for Economic Development and Foreign Trade (BWA)

Moderator: Ventzeslav Sabev, Co-Director, Observatory on Security, Geneva University

Session 3: Neutrality and AI: Security, innovation, governance

This session will explore how digital transformation and AI are reshaping power structures, making neutrality essential for governing technology, cybersecurity, and data flows. It will examine how neutral nations can become trusted hubs for ethical AI and secure digital infrastructure, and whether digital neutrality is achievable through trusted identity systems, strong legal frameworks, and respect for privacy and data sovereignty.

Speakers:

Sharaf Sheralizoda, Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Swiss Confederation and Permanent Representative to the UNOG
Carlos Moreira, CEO of WISeKey Group
Cristian Olarean, Market Access Section, Economic Cooperation and Trade Division, UNECE
Hans Kuhn, Financial tech author, former Head of Legal at the Swiss National Bank
Marc Loebekken, Head of Legal at ProtonMail

Moderator: Oscar Wendel, Founder and Chairman, Global Stratalogues

We look forward to welcoming you in Geneva in October!