The official ceremony of the start of the sports tournament “UN Friendship Games – 80” was held in Moscow

Recently (August 4, 2025) at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (University) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation (MGIMO) the official ceremony of the start of the sports tournament “UN Friendship Games – 80” was held, as well as a friendly chess tournament held within its framework.

The chess tournament, organized by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation, the UN Association of Russia, the UN Information Center and the UN Public Committee – 80, was dedicated to the “International Year of Peace and Trust”, declared on the initiative of Turkmenistan with the co-authorship of more than 80 countries of the world, including Russia.

The event was attended by public figures, representatives of the diplomatic corps, schoolchildren, students and youth leaders of MGIMO MFA of Russia.

The opening ceremony began with a welcoming speech by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation S.V.Lavrov.

Then, during the ceremony, the Chairman of the Russian Association for the United Nations, Rector of MGIMO MFA of Russia, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor A.V.Torkunov, Director of the UN Information Center V.V.Kuznetsov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation E.M.Aydogdyev, as well as Soviet and Russian hockey player, UN Goodwill Ambassador V.Fetisov made their presentations.

In his speech, E. Aydogdyev noted that one of the most important areas of Turkmenistan’s international activities is sports diplomacy. Sports in the service of peace, trust and mutual understanding – this is the meaning of the sports cooperation strategy pursued by the leadership of Turkmenistan. This year, together with the world community, Turkmenistan celebrates such important dates as the 30th anniversary of the country’s permanent Neutrality, the 80th anniversary of the Victory, and the 80th anniversary of the creation of the UN. The culmination of the events in honor of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Neutrality will be the holding of an International Conference in Ashgabat in December with the participation of high-ranking representatives from dozens of countries and international organizations.

The speakers emphasized the importance of the adoption of the resolution “United Nations Friendship Games” initiated by Turkmenistan and India during the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, and spoke about the role of Turkmenistan in strengthening peace, friendship and mutual understanding between countries and peoples. It was noted that the upcoming event is intended to become a symbol of unification through sports, culture and diplomatic communication, strengthening the principles of peace, mutual understanding and international cooperation.

More than 30 people took part in the chess tournament, including representatives of the diplomatic corps, students and pupils of sports schools. At the end of the tournament, an award ceremony was held: the participants were awarded commemorative diplomas, and the winner of the tournament was awarded the Friendship Games Cup.

The UN Friendship Games will continue in September 2025 with football, tennis and chess tournaments.