An inaugural ceremony for the "UN-80 Friendship Games" sports tournament was held in Moscow
On August 4, a friendly chess tournament took place at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), marking the launch of the international initiative "UN Friendship Games." This project, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, aims to promote the ideals of peace, trust, and international cooperation through sports and diplomacy.
The event was held as part of the UN General Assembly resolution declaring 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust. This initiative was proposed by Turkmenistan with the support of Russia and over 80 UN member states, highlighting the country's role in strengthening international partnerships. The tournament was organized by the Russian United Nations Association with the support of MGIMO, the UN Information Center, and the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation.
The opening ceremony was attended by ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps from India, Italy, Colombia, Palestine, Rwanda, Senegal, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Switzerland.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by A.V. Torkunov, Chairman of the Russian United Nations Association, Rector of MGIMO, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Professor; V.V. Kuznetsov, Director of the UN Information Center; E.M. Aydogdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation; and V.A. Fetisov, a Soviet and Russian hockey player and UN Goodwill Ambassador.
In his speech, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan emphasized that sports diplomacy is a key area of the country's international activity, and that sports serve to strengthen peace and mutual understanding. He also noted that 2025 is a special year for Turkmenistan, as the country celebrates the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, the 80th anniversary of the UN, and the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality.
The official start of the "UN Friendship Games" was announced by UN Goodwill Ambassador and legendary hockey player V.A. Fetisov. The ceremony was hosted by A.N. Borisov, First Deputy Chairman of the Russian United Nations Association and Vice President of the World Federation of United Nations Associations.
The chess tournament, led by international chess arbiter A. Spitsyna, featured more than 30 participants, including representatives of the diplomatic corps, students, and sports school trainees. The competition was held using the Swiss system across seven rounds. Following the tournament, an awards ceremony took place where participants received commemorative diplomas, and the winner was presented with the Friendship Games Cup.
The tournament underscored the importance of sports as an effective tool for dialogue, solidarity, and trust, reaffirming the participating countries' commitment to strengthening partnerships based on the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.
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