TEHRAN –Observed annually on July 20, World Chess Day highlights chess as an intellectual global game that promotes peace, sustainable development, and education.

It marks the date of the establishment of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in Paris in 1924.

The United Nations recognizes that sports, the arts, and physical activity have the power to change perceptions, prejudices, and behaviors, as well as to inspire people, break down racial and political barriers, combat discrimination, and defuse conflict, and therefore contribute to promoting education, sustainable development, peace, cooperation, solidarity, social inclusion, and health at the local, regional and international levels.

Chess is one of the most ancient, intellectual, and cultural games, with a combination of sport, scientific thinking, and elements of art.

Chess also offers important opportunities in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, including strengthening education, realizing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, and fostering inclusion, tolerance, mutual understanding, and respect.

It aims to improve friendly harmony among all peoples of the world and provide an important platform to foster, dialogue, solidarity, and a culture of peace.

As an affordable and inclusive activity, it can be exercised anywhere and played by all, across the barriers of language, age, gender, physical ability, or social status.