• What? International Day of Neutrality 2025
• When? December 12
• Adoption: UNGA Resolution A/RES/71/275 on 2 February 2017
• Proposed by: Turkmenistan
• First observed : December 12, 2017
• Purpose: Promote neutrality, peace, diplomacy, and security.

Background:
Adoption: On 2 February 2017, the UN General Assembly(UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/71/275, introduced by Turkmenistan, designating 12 December each year as the IDN.

• The UN has recognized Turkmenistan as a permanently neutral state since 12 December 1995.

 First Observance: The first IDN was observed on 12 December 2017.
About Neutrality:
Meaning: Neutrality refers to a state’s decision to stay out of conflicts between other countries, and maintaining an unbiased position recognized by all parties is vital for the UN to uphold global trust.
Examples: Switzerland is widely recognized for its neutrality, and India has similarly maintained a neutral approach in global affairs, choosing not to align with either the United States of America(USA) or the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Reaffirming UN Charter Duties: Resolution 71/275 restates Article 2 obligations for member states to settle disputes peacefully and avoid the threat or use of force.
UN Tools: Neutrality is strengthened through three UN tools: preventive diplomacy to avert conflicts early, mediation to help disputing parties reach compromise, and peacemaking to promote political solutions in coordination with regional organizations.
About United Nations(UN):
Secretary general– António Guterres
Headquarters – New York, the United States of America
Established– 1945