Almaty will welcome the 4th International Scientific and Practical Conference on Chess in Education on November 12 and 13 at Narxoz University. The conference forms part of Kazakhstan's broader strategic plan to develop chess across the nation from 2023 through 2027, an initiative backed by the country's government and presidential office. The gathering aims to strengthen the school chess movement while training educators in chess teaching methods and weaving chess education into the national school system.
The event will draw prominent figures from the chess world, including Timur Turlov, who leads both the International Chess Federation and the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. Joining him will be several internationally recognized specialists in chess education. Anzel Laubscher, a member of the FIDE Chess in Education Commission, will attend from South Africa. Dr. Jonathon Quest will represent Webster University as a visiting associate professor. Ali Abbas, heading the Syrian Chess Federation, brings experience as a FIDE lecturer in chess education. Ramon Chalmeta Ugas, President of the Catalan Chess Federation, will also participate.
Conference discussions will center on chess as a vehicle for building student cognitive abilities, strengthening critical thinking, and enhancing mathematical skills. Organizers aim to tackle practical challenges in educating large numbers of teachers and incorporating chess into school curricula nationwide. The program will also prioritize expanding chess opportunities for women and integrating digital technology into chess learning.
The two-day agenda includes panel discussions, demonstrations of current educational chess programs, and workshops conducted by leading specialists. Officials from Kazakhstan's Ministry of Education will join international experts, education specialists, and teachers to review how chess programs have functioned in Kazakhstani schools so far. These discussions will help chart the course for expanding chess education going forward.
The conference opens at 11:00 AM and represents a significant effort to coordinate international cooperation in youth education while advancing chess as an intellectual pursuit in Kazakhstan.