Members of the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York who attended the meeting hosted by the Philippine Consulate. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas)
NEW YORK CITY — The Philippine Consulate General in New York hosted the first executive board meeting of the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York for 2026 at the Philippine Center in Manhattan, marking the opening of the group’s activities for the year.
The meeting was chaired by Maia Bartaia, Consul General of Georgia and current president of the Society, who presented the organization’s planned programs for the first quarter of 2026. These include an Art and Diplomacy Exhibition scheduled for January 22, a Women’s Month celebration in March, and prospective joint courtesy calls with local officials in New York and neighboring jurisdictions.
The gathering was hosted by Senen T. Mangalile, Consul General of the Philippines, underscoring the Philippine Consulate’s continuing engagement with the city’s diplomatic community.
Executive board members present represented consular missions from Argentina, Bulgaria, India, Morocco, Peru, Serbia, South Africa, Switzerland, and Thailand, reflecting the Society’s diverse membership.
Founded in 1925, the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York serves as a forum for dialogue, cooperation, and professional exchange among consular officials accredited to the city, promoting collaboration on diplomatic, cultural, and community initiatives.
