At the FIDE General Assembly in Budapest, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, alongside Dana Reizniece-Ozola and André Vögtlin, proudly announced that 2025 would be dedicated as the "Year of Social Chess." This groundbreaking initiative will leverage the power of chess to address some of the world's most pressing social issues, promoting inclusivity, education, and mental well-being.

A Year for Global Impact

The Year of Social Chess aims to bring chess to diverse communities and settings, from prisons and refugee camps to elderly care homes and addiction recovery centers. By focusing on chess as a tool for social good, FIDE will champion projects that foster cognitive development, community building, and rehabilitation.

"Our goal is to make chess a force for positive change," said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. "With the Year of Social Chess, we will bring chess to the forefront of social innovation, connecting people across the world and making a real difference in their lives."

Key Initiatives

Throughout 2025, FIDE will host a series of events and initiatives, including:

●     January: A worldwide online social chess event, engaging players globally, to kick off the year.

●     March: "Chess for Protection" projects in refugee camps and underserved communities.

●     May: The "Chess for Freedom Conference" in Georgia, highlighting the role of chess in prison rehabilitation programs.

●     July: Initiatives focused on using chess as a therapeutic tool in addiction recovery and psychiatric care.

●     October: An Intercontinental Online Championship for prisoners, connecting inmates from across the globe through chess.

●     December: The year will conclude with a Social Chess Documentary Film Festival, showcasing the stories of chess changing lives around the world.

FIDE invites chess federations, players, and organizations worldwide to join the movement. With fundraising efforts, research initiatives, and various programs, 2025 will be a year when chess transforms lives.

To learn more about upcoming events and how to get involved, visit the official Social Chess website, launching later this year.

Let's unite for a year of social change—through the power of chess.