The Second Diplomatic Chess Tournament took place at the United Nations Office in Geneva

08 July, 2026

On 8 July 2026, the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Armenia to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva hosted the Second Diplomatic Chess Tournament, bringing together representatives of diplomatic missions, international organizations and the United Nations system accredited in Geneva.

Organized in run up to the World Chess Day, celebrated annually on 20 July, the tournament was held under the auspices of the United Nations Office at Geneva, in cooperation with UNESCO, the University for Peace (UPEACE), and the Swiss and Armenian Chess Federations.

The opening ceremony featured remarks by H.E. Ms. Hasmik Tolmajian, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia; Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva; and Mr. André Vögtlin, President of the Swiss Chess Federation. The event also included a simultaneous exhibition conducted by international chess grandmaster Levon Aronian.

In her remarks, Ambassador Tolmajian emphasized that chess is an integral part of Armenia's culture, education and national identity. She noted that, having developed at the crossroads of civilizations, chess has become a universal language that promotes mutual respect, cooperation and a culture of peace among peoples.

Director-General Tatiana Valovaya recalled that World Chess Day is observed on 20 July pursuant to the United Nations General Assembly resolution introduced by Armenia in 2019. She thanked Armenia for organizing the diplomatic chess tournament at the United Nations for the second consecutive year, highlighting chess as a universal tool for fostering dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation among nations.

Mr. André Vögtlin welcomed the tournament, underscoring its contribution to promoting chess, strengthening international friendship and encouraging peaceful cooperation.

At the conclusion of the tournament, all participants received commemorative medals named after Tigran Petrosian, in memory of the ninth World Chess Champion and in celebration of Armenia's rich chess heritage. During the event, Armenian fruits were served, including apricots, as a symbol of Armenia's hospitality and cultural identity.

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