In a landmark celebration of chess as a catalyst for social transformation, the Permanent Mission of Armenia to the United Nations in Geneva, in partnership with the FIDE Social Commission and UNESCO, hosted a prestigious side event on 8 July at Hall XIV of the Palais des Nations, commemorating the upcoming International Chess Day 2026.
The gathering transformed the historic UN venue into a vibrant hub of strategy and solidarity, showcasing the profound impact of chess far beyond the competitive arena. The event underscored the game’s unique capacity to bridge divides, empower marginalized communities, and foster cognitive and emotional resilience across the globe.
The event was organized in close collaboration with a broad coalition of international and local partners, including the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), UNESCO, the University for Peace, the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the Swiss Chess Federation, and the Geneva BOIS-GENTIL Chess Club. This diverse partnership reflected the shared commitment to advancing chess as a tool for diplomacy, inclusion, and social development.
The proceedings opened with welcoming remarks from H.E. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office in Geneva, followed by H.E. Hasmik Tolmajian, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN Office in Geneva. Their addresses set the tone for an afternoon dedicated to highlighting chess as an instrument of inclusion and personal reinvention.
André Vögtlin, President of the Swiss Chess Federation and Chairman of the FIDE Social Commission, delivered a powerful reflection on the global reach of social chess initiatives. His words resonated deeply with the diplomatic audience: “For centuries, this board has been the same: 64 squares, two colors, equal rules for both sides. No passport required. No language needed. No status. No history. Just the next move.”
André Vögtlin detailed the Commission’s work across 60 countries, from the prisons of Malawi to the refugee camps of Kenya, from the youth centers of Mongolia to the correctional facilities of Chicago: “We have placed this board in front of people the world has largely given up on. And something remarkable happens. A man who has spent years reacting – impulsively, violently, without perspective – learns to pause. To think one move ahead. Then two. Then five. A child who has never been treated as an equal sits across from an instructor and, for the first time, the rules are the same for both of them. Fair. Transparent. Unchangeable. A woman in a refugee camp discovers that her mind – which no one has ever invested in – is capable of strategy, of beauty, of depth. This is what we call Social Chess.”
The highlight of the afternoon was an exclusive simultaneous chess exhibition featuring Grandmaster Levon Aronian, one of the world’s most celebrated chess talents. The event attracted approximately 70 registered participants, bringing together diplomats and representatives of international organizations based in Geneva. During the exhibition, Grandmaster Aronian played simultaneously against 25 participants – marking the first time such a high-profile simul had been held in conjunction with this specific side event.
The demonstration captivated attendees, illustrating the game’s universal appeal and its extraordinary power to unite people across all divides. At the conclusion of the exhibition, Levon Aronian selected five participants to receive commemorative trophies. His selections were based primarily on the quality of play demonstrated by amateur players who particularly impressed him. In a remarkable achievement, one participant succeeded in holding the Grandmaster to a draw – an outstanding feat that drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The FIDE Social Commission had the distinct honour of presenting its flagship social chess projects to a diplomatic audience, detailing the successes of initiatives that are transforming lives worldwide:
- Chess for Freedom, presented by project leader and SOC Councilor Mikhail Korenman, which promotes rehabilitation and cognitive development in prison settings.
- Chess for Protection, supporting refugees and displaced populations, presented by André Vögtlin, Chair of SOC.
- Infinite Chess, empowering children with autism, presented by Jonathan Chen, project partner and supporter, Founder and President of the Kindness on Board Foundation.
- Chess for Hope, bringing the game to underserved communities, presented by Prabitha Urwyler, project leader and FIDE SOC Councilor.
The event proved to be a significant opportunity to position Social Chess as a leading player on the world stage. The spirit of the gathering was exceptionally positive, with palpable interest from the diplomatic community in the transformative power of these initiatives.
H.E. Hasmik Tolmajian not only delivered opening remarks but also played a key role in opening doors to other UN organizations and their sub-organizations. This integration is a crucial step in embedding Social Chess more deeply within the UN framework, paving the way for sustained institutional support.
Buoyed by the success and high interest at this year’s event, the FIDE Social Commission is already planning for the future. The consensus, as articulated by André Vögtlin, is clear: “Next year, we must go further – we plan to make social chess the main topic of the event.”
The Permanent Mission of Armenia remains committed to making this event an annual tradition and looks forward to welcoming participants again next year. The momentum built at the Palais des Nations has opened new avenues for the Commission to seek representation at future sessions of the UN Human Rights Council, ensuring that the transformative power of chess continues to gain recognition as a vital tool for social development and human dignity worldwide.
Photos: © insta:agencypointofviews