A historic first diplomatic chess tournament was held at the UN Office in Geneva at the initiative of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Armenia to the UNOG and international organizations

03 July, 2025

In celebration of World Chess Day, on July 3, 2025 at the United Nations Office in Geneva, an exclusive chess tournament was held at the initiative of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Armenia to the UNOG and international organizations in Geneva, with the participation of the representatives of diplomatic missions, international organizations as well as civil society operating in Geneva.

The event was organized as a part of a broader celebration of chess as a tool for promoting education, inclusion, respect, and international cooperation.

Ahead of International Chess Day, July 20, the inaugural diplomatic chess tournament organized by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Armenia was held under the patronage of the UN Office in Geneva and UNESCO, with the partnership and support of the UN Peace University, Swiss Chess Federation, Armenian Chess Federation and Geneva Chess Federation.

Armenia holds a unique and celebrated place in the world of chess. Armenians’ deep-rooted passion for chess has produced the world-renowned grandmasters, including Tigran Petrosyan, known as the “Iron Tigran” for his solid, defensive style, the 9^th World Chess Champion, and Levon Aronian, one of the world's top grandmasters. As one of a few countries where chess is an integral part of the school curriculum, Armenia embraces chess as a tool for developing strategic thinking and discipline among the youth.

The tournament, named after the 9^th world chess champion Tigran Petrosyan, was attended by diplomats from the permanent missions of China, France, Russia, Germany, Cuba, Panama, North Macedonia, Brazil, Australia, the Order of Malta, Italy, Cyprus, and Armenia, as well as officials from international organizations and civil society.

Opening remarks were delivered by Ms. Tatyana Valovaya, Director-General of the UN Office in Geneva, H.E. Ambassador Hasmik Tolmajyan, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia to the UNOG and Mr. André Vögtlin, President of the Swiss Chess Federation and Chairman of the FIDE Social Commission.

In her speech, the Armenian Ambassador reminded that July 20^th was declared International Chess Day by the UN General Assembly in 2019 as a result of a consensus resolution (74/22) proposed by Armenia and co-authored by 53 countries. She mentioned both Armenia’s contribution to the development of world chess and the achievements of the Armenian chess players in the field of chess, including the Armenian men’s chess team becoming three-time Olympic champions and being recognized by FIDE as the best national team of the century.

The first symbolic step of the tournament was taken by the Director-General of the UN Office in Geneva. In her speech, she expressed a warm gratitude to Armenia for organizing the first such tournament, emphasizing the universal significance of the game in promoting dialogue and peaceful cooperation between the nations. She also highlighted that chess is more than just a game - it is a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, religions and generations. It can be a key tool for education, inclusion and peace.

The rapid tournament, held according to the standards and rules set by the Swiss Chess Federation, was attended by 32 chess players, who played a total of 7 rounds, each lasting 7 minutes. During the four hours of the tournament, more than a hundred chess fans visited the tournament hall, including ambassadors and heads of international organizations. Although the tournament was for amateur players, there were also participants with FIDE international ratings which gave the tournament a more competitive spirit.

From the youngest participant at just 13 years old to seasoned diplomats and professionals, all players enjoyed every round of the tournament. It was more than just a competition, it was a celebration of friendship and shared passion for chess.

The gold medal of the tournament was awarded to Mr. Johannes Kuehn von Burgsdorff, the representative of the Permanent Mission of the Sovereign Order of Malta, the silver medal went to Mr. Rolando Kutirov, the representative of the Permanent Mission of North Macedonia and the bronze medal went to Ms. Greisy Cordero Suárez, the representative of Permanent Mission of Cuba. All participants of the tournament were awarded commemorative medals of the Tigran Petrosyan tournament.

At the end of the tournament Ambassador David Fernandez Puyana, the Permanent Observer of the UN Peace University in Geneva and Ambassador Hasmik Tolmajian delivered closing remarks, congratulating the winners and expressing gratitude to all supporters for the professional and skillful conduct and refereeing of the game.

Special thanks go to the Geneva Chess Club and its President, Mr. Igor Kupalov, for the excellent arbitration of the Tournament, which contributed to the success of the event.

The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Armenia made it the beginning of a tradition.

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