Armenia and FIDE champion social change at UN Geneva side event

On 8 July 2026, at the Palais des Nations, the Permanent Mission of Armenia to the United Nations in Geneva, in cooperation with the FIDE Social Commission and UNESCO, held an event ahead of International Chess Day.

The event brought together representatives of the United Nations and international organizations. Welcoming remarks were delivered by H.E. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, and H.E. Hasmik Tolmajian, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN Office in Geneva. André Vögtlin, President of the Swiss Chess Federation and Chairman of the FIDE Social Commission, presented international social chess programmes.

The FIDE Social Commission’s key social chess projects were presented, including "Chess for Freedom", led by Mikhail Korenman, which promotes rehabilitation and cognitive development in prison settings; "Chess for Protection", led by André Vögtlin, aimed at supporting refugees and displaced populations; "Infinite Chess", presented by Jonathan Chen, which supports the development of children with autism; and "Chess for Hope", presented by Prabitha Urwyler, bringing the game to underserved communities.

The highlight of the event was the simultaneous chess exhibition by one of the world’s most celebrated chess talents GM Levon Aronian, who played against 25 participants. The game attracted great interest among diplomats and representatives of international organizations.

The event was an important step in highlighting the role of chess as an effective tool for social inclusion, education, diplomacy, and international cooperation. The organizers plan to continue this initiative, making it an annual tradition.

You can read the full article on the official FIDE website: https://www.fide.com/chess-for-humanity-armenia-and-fide-champion-social-change-at-un-geneva-side-event/