FIDE’s #SocialChess Conference 2024: Leveraging Chess for Societal Good and Announcing 2025 as the “Year of Social Chess”

The #SocialChess conference held in Budapest on September 21, 2024, marked a significant moment for FIDE officials, Social Commission members, and project leaders as they gathered to discuss the transformative power of chess in society. The event highlighted FIDE’s dedication to using chess for societal good, leading to the declaration of 2025 as the “Social Chess Year.”

Dana Reizniece-Ozola, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board, set the tone for the conference by emphasizing the importance of collective action in bringing about positive change through chess. Quoting a renowned Latvian poet, she emphasized the value of giving and the lasting impact it can have on individuals and communities.

André Vögtlin, Chair of the FIDE Social Commission, introduced the central theme of 2025 as the “Year of Social Chess,” aligning with FIDE’s long-term goals for social impact. He called for collaboration from federations, organizations, and individuals involved in social outreach through chess to work together towards this mission.

The conference showcased several major initiatives spearheaded by the Social Commission, demonstrating the profound influence chess can have in various social contexts. Projects like “Chess for Protection,” “Chess for Freedom,” “Infinite Chess,” “Chess for elderly and Chess for life,” and “Chess and Cancer (Project 2C)” were highlighted, each showing how chess can be used as a tool for education, rehabilitation, cognitive health, and emotional support.

As FIDE gears up for 2025, the Year of Social Chess, the message of unity and action resonated strongly. The call for global participation in using chess as a powerful tool for social change was clear, emphasizing that chess is more than just a game—it is a means to empower communities, uplift the vulnerable, and create a brighter future for all.