Beyond the board: The inaugural World Youth Leadership Forum unites global minds

Global Gathering of Young Chess Leaders

WHO: Prominent young chess figures including Kristen Hou, Dariana Didiliuc, Ștefan Cotei, Alejandra Zavala, Florent Vogtlin, Jonathan Chen, Paul Vallas, and André Vogtlin
WHAT: World Youth Leadership Forum
WHERE: Online/Global (representing the United States, Switzerland, Romania, Ukraine, and El Salvador)
WHEN: August 12, 2026

Event Highlights

• Keynote by Paul Vallas on chess in education and international cooperation
• André Vogtlin shared 8 leadership tips for young leaders
• Presentation on Romania’s large-scale Chess in Schools project
• Alejandra Zavala discussed the Chess for Freedom initiative in El Salvador

Forum Objectives and Outcomes

The inaugural World Youth Leadership Forum, initiated by Kristen Hou through the International Social Chess Foundation (ISCF), aimed to unite global youth through chess, education, and cultural exchange. The event successfully facilitated discussions on developing leadership skills, integrating chess into societal and educational frameworks, and fostering inclusive global connections among participants.

Participant Insights and Initiatives

Participants showcased impactful projects, including Romania’s widespread Chess in Schools program and El Salvador’s Chess for Freedom project, highlighting the forum’s role in sharing innovative approaches to promoting chess globally.

Source

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

Official source: https://www.fide.com/beyond-the-board-the-inaugural-world-youth-leadership-forum-unites-global-minds/