A UN day highlighting how permanent neutrality can strengthen peace, dialogue, and preventive diplomacy between nations.
Date12 December
TopicPeace & Safety
Established2017
Ways to observe this day
Learn about the concept of permanent neutrality and its role in diplomacy
Read about neutral states' experiences in mediation and conflict resolution
Join a discussion on the value of preventive diplomacy
Encourage a culture of dialogue and peaceful resolution in your own community
On February 2, 2017, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 71/275, introduced by Turkmenistan, declaring December 12 the International Day of Neutrality. The date coincides with the anniversary of Turkmenistan's 1995 Declaration of Neutrality, which the UN formally recognized, affirming the country's status as a permanently neutral state.
The day highlights the legal concept of permanent neutrality as a tool for strengthening international peace and stability, enabling neutral states to act as mediators in conflicts and offering space for dialogue and preventive diplomacy away from political and military alignments. It also emphasizes the value of preventing conflicts through peaceful mechanisms for resolving disputes.
International conferences and events are held to mark the day, examining the role of neutrality in contemporary international relations, alongside academic discussions on how neutral states have contributed to peacekeeping, and educational programs for young people on dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution.