World Chess Day

Overview World Chess Day recognizes chess in supporting international cooperation, fosters dialogue, solidarity, and a culture of peace, and promotes fairness, inclusion, and mutual respect through chess. Official Details Date: July 20 (annually) Proclaimed by: UN General Assembly Resolution 74/22 (December 12, 2019) Marks the establishment of FIDE in Paris in 1924 Chess transcends language, age, gender, ability, and social status Key Statistics 605 million adults play chess regularly More possible chess outcomes than atoms in the observable universe 70% of adults in major countries have played chess Over 2,000 identifiable variants of the game exist Actions for General Users Play a game of chess with friends, family, or online Teach someone how to play chess Join a local chess club or online chess community Use chess to develop strategic thinking and patience Participate in chess events or tournaments Actions for Businesses Start a chess club for employees to promote strategic thinking Sponsor local chess tournaments or youth chess programmes Use chess as a team-building activity Support chess-in-education programmes in underserved communities Promote chess as a tool for inclusion and diversity Covered SDGs SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)