Almaty to Host 4th International Conference on Chess in Education

Almaty set for major chess education summit

Almaty will host the 4th International Scientific and Practical Conference “Chess in Education” on November 12–13, 2026, at Narxoz University, located at 55 Zhandosov Street. The conference is organized under the Comprehensive Plan for the Development of Chess in the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2023–2027, which was approved by the Government following instructions from the President of Kazakhstan.

Key objectives and leadership

The event aims to expand the school chess movement across Kazakhstan, enhance teacher training in chess education methodology, and systematically integrate chess into the national education system. Timur Turlov, who serves as both President of FIDE and President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, is expected to attend alongside a roster of internationally recognized experts in the field.

Speakers include Anzel Laubscher, a member of the FIDE Chess in Education Commission and a senior chess-in-education instructor based in South Africa; Dr. Jonathon Quest, visiting associate professor at Webster University; Ali Abbas, President of the Syrian Chess Federation and a FIDE lecturer in chess education; and Ramon Chalmeta Ugas, President of the Catalan Chess Federation and an established expert in chess education.

Focus areas and program highlights

Participants will examine the role of chess as an effective tool for developing students’ cognitive skills, critical thinking, and mathematical abilities. Practical considerations around training thousands of educators and embedding chess programs into school curricula will also be addressed. Special emphasis will be placed on popularizing chess among women and incorporating modern digital technologies into the educational process.

The two-day program will feature panel discussions, presentations of contemporary educational programs, and hands-on workshops led by specialists. Representatives of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Education, international experts, education methodologists, and members of the teaching community will review the interim results of introducing chess into Kazakhstani schools and identify directions for further development.

• Event: 4th International Scientific and Practical Conference “Chess in Education”
• Dates: November 12–13, 2026
• Venue: Narxoz University, 55 Zhandosov Street, Almaty
• Opening time: 11:00 AM
• Media contact: +7 777 998 8820 (Alla, Kazakhstan Chess Federation Press Office)

Broader significance

The conference represents an important step toward strengthening interdepartmental and international cooperation in children’s and youth education, as well as promoting mind sports throughout Kazakhstan. It builds on ongoing efforts to embed chess as a core educational tool within the country’s school system.

Source

This report is based on information published by FIDE — International Chess Federation.

Official source: https://www.fide.com/international-conference-chess-in-education-to-be-held-in-almaty/