International Day of Neutrality
December 12 · Level 4 · #1494 of 2238
This UN day is devoted to neutrality as a way of avoiding conflict, talking things through and building trust between countries. Neutral states often act as go-betweens where rivals find it hard to talk directly.
How it is celebrated: conferences, diplomatic meetings and themed exhibitions take place, and Turkmenistan marks the day with particular ceremony.
The date is no accident: on 12 December 1995 the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution recognising the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan. The international day itself was established in 2017 on that country's initiative.