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 Digital Transformation

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
• Micheline Calmy-Rey, Former President of Switzerland (tbc)
• Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva

Session 1: Neutrality in modern world

This session will critically examine the evolving role of neutrality in today’s fractured geopolitical landscape. Against the backdrop of escalating conflicts, shifting alliances, and multipolar competition, the discussion will assess whether true neutrality is attainable and how it can serve as a stabilizing force in diplomacy, security, and conflict resolution. Drawing on historical precedents and contemporary examples, speakers will explore the benefits, risks, and institutional requirements for maintaining a neutral stance in a complex world. Insights from thinkers such as Hans Morgenthau (realism), Henry Kissinger (balance of power), and Joseph Nye(soft power) will guide an evidence-based debate on neutrality’s limits and potential in international relations.

Speakers:

• Vepa Hajiyev, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Swiss Confederation and Permanent Representative to the UNOG
• Ivan Trifunović, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Switzerland
• Nicolas Ramseier, President of the Geneva Center for Neutrality
• Thomas Greminger, Swiss Ambassador and Director of GCSP
• Carlos A. Pereira, Secretary General, The Club of Rome.
• Lionel Dugerdil, Member of the Grand Council of Geneva, President of the Geneva branch of the Swiss People’s Party (UDC), and Candidate for the Council of State

Moderator: Itonde Kakoma, President of the Interpeace platform

Session 2: Neutrality, business, and strategic assets

Neutrality is not only a diplomatic principle but a strategic economic tool with profound implications for trade, investment, and the safeguarding of long-term strategic assets. This session will examine how neutrality affects economic development, investment inflows, and national budgets, highlighting both the benefits and risks, such as economic isolation, regulatory tensions, or trade restrictions. Drawing on perspectives such as Michael Porter’s theory of competitiveness and Dani Rodrik’s work on globalization and resilience, experts will explore practical approaches to maximizing economic advantages while mitigating risks. Case studies will demonstrate how neutral countries can build trust-based ecosystems, attract global capital, and maintain competitiveness while navigating geopolitical pressures.

Speakers:

• Galib Israfilov, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the UNOG
• David Fransen, Former CEO Vitol SA
• Murat Seitnepesov, President of the Greater Caspian Association/ Caspian Week Forum
• Urs Unkauf, Federal Managing Director of BWA (Germany)
• Diego Aponte, President and CEO of MSC Group
• Delphine Bachmann, Minister of Economy, Government of Geneva

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

Session 3: Neutrality, AI and the Digital Future: Security, Innovation, and Governance

Digital transformation and AI are redefining global power structures, making neutrality a crucial principle for governing emerging technologies, cybersecurity, and cross-border data flows. This session will explore how neutral nations can position themselves as trusted hubs for ethical AI, resilient digital infrastructure, and equitable technology exchange. Inspired by Joseph Schumpeter’s innovation theory, and informed by voices such as Yuval Noah Harari (ethics of AI) and Shoshana Zuboff (digital power), the discussion will focus on designing governance frameworks that reflect plural ethics, support secure innovation, and strengthen cooperation in a hyperconnected world.

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 (online)
• Cristian Olarean, Market Access Section, Economic Cooperation and Trade Division, UNECE
• Hans Kuhn, Financial- tech author
• Oscar Wendel, Founder and Chairman, Global Stratalogues
• Andy Yen, Founder and CEO, ProtonMail

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

We look forward to welcoming you in Geneva in October!