An international platform for sharing expertise, educational
methodologies and digital solutions in chess education
methodologies and digital solutions in chess education
4th International Conference “Chess in Education”
12–13 November 2026 | Almaty, Kazakhstan | Narxoz University
12–13 November 2026 | Almaty, Kazakhstan | Narxoz University
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ABOUT
Chess in Education: From International Experience to Systemic Solutions
On 12–13 November 2026, Almaty will host the 4th International Conference “Chess in Education”, a professional platform dedicated to exploring the role of chess in modern education.
The conference will bring together representatives of international chess federations, government institutions, universities, educational organisations, teachers, researchers and developers of digital learning solutions.
Participants will share successful approaches to integrating chess into school and higher education, discuss modern teaching methodologies and teacher training, and explore the potential of technology in the learning process.
Special attention will be given to Kazakhstan’s experience in implementing chess programmes across schools, international cooperation and the role of chess education in developing the intellectual potential of younger generations.
On 12–13 November 2026, Almaty will host the 4th International Conference “Chess in Education”, a professional platform dedicated to exploring the role of chess in modern education.
The conference will bring together representatives of international chess federations, government institutions, universities, educational organisations, teachers, researchers and developers of digital learning solutions.
Participants will share successful approaches to integrating chess into school and higher education, discuss modern teaching methodologies and teacher training, and explore the potential of technology in the learning process.
Special attention will be given to Kazakhstan’s experience in implementing chess programmes across schools, international cooperation and the role of chess education in developing the intellectual potential of younger generations.
Speakers
- Ali AbbasFIDE Certified Chess in Education Lecturer. President of the Syrian Chess FederationAn international chess education professional involved in promoting and developing chess within educational settings.
Full biography and professional background to be confirmed by the organisers. - Darmen SadvakasovFirst Vice-President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, Vice-President of the Asian Chess Federation for the Northern Asia Region, International GrandmasterInternational Grandmaster since 1999, Darmen Sadvakasov is one of Kazakhstan’s most accomplished chess players.
See more - Vladimir BarskyInternational Master (IM), Chess Coach, Journalist, Author, and Publisher of Chess LiteratureVladimir Barsky is an International Master, experienced chess coach, and journalist specializing in chess education, teaching methodologies, and the promotion of chess.
He is the author of more than 30 books on chess and prominent chess players, including the “Chess School” educational and methodological series (Years 1–3), which is used in schools across more than 20 regions of Russia.
His professional expertise covers the development of educational materials, methodological support for chess education, and the preparation of chess literature for various levels of learning.
In addition to his writing and coaching career, Vladimir Barsky is actively involved in editing and publishing chess literature, contributing to the development of educational resources and the promotion of chess. - Raja Gauhar IqbalSecretary General, Chess Federation of PakistanRaja Gauhar Iqbal serves as Secretary General of the Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP) and the Chess Association of Punjab (CAP).
See more - Gulmira DauletovaExecutive Director of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, Woman Grandmaster (WGM)A Woman Grandmaster since 2020, Gulmira Dauletova is one of Kazakhstan’s leading female chess players, with extensive experience competing on the international stage
See more - Ramon Chalmeta UgasPresident of the Catalan Chess FederationRamon Chalmeta Ugas is President of the Catalan Chess Federation and has spent more than a decade developing and promoting chess across Catalonia.
See more - Anzel LaubscherWoman International Master. Chess in Education Senior Lead InstructorAnzel Laubscher is a South African Woman International Master (WIM), reigning South African Women’s Chess Champion, international chess educator, and admitted Advocate of the High Court of South Africa, specialising in human rights, sports law, governance, and safeguarding.
With three decades of experience, her educational work spans sport-specific education, teacher and coach development, curriculum design, and tertiary-level lecturing.
As a Senior Lead Instructor on the FIDE Chess in Education Commission, she contributes to international instructor assessment and mentorship.
Author of the FIDE Teachers Curriculum, she champions inclusive, engaging, and accessible chess education, empowering educators to make chess a meaningful learning experience for every child. - Miras DaulenovPresident of Coventry University Kazakhstan, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in LawMiras Daulenov is a graduate of the international Bolashak Scholarship Program. In 2012, he earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Law from the University of Wrocław (Poland).
From 2019 to 2021, he served as Vice Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Since 2024, he has served as President of Coventry University Kazakhstan, actively promoting international academic cooperation, introducing modern educational programs, and contributing to the improvement of higher education quality in Kazakhstan.
He is the author of scientific publications in international law and an expert in higher education and academic research. - Tursynzada KuangaliyevaRector of the Kazakh National University of Sports, Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate ProfessorTursynzada Kuangaliyeva is an academic leader with over 20 years of experience in higher education, academic management, and international cooperation.
She is a recipient of the international Bolashak Scholarship and holds an Executive MBA in Sports Management. In 2022, she was awarded the title of Best University Teacher of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Since April 2025, she has served as Rector of the Kazakh National University of Sports, actively developing academic programs, including the Chess Coach specialization, and creating opportunities for the training of qualified chess professionals.
She is the author of over 100 scientific publications and has led numerous international educational and research projects. - Aliya ZhakiyenovaHead of the Academic Affairs Department at Margulan UniversityAn experienced educator and academic leader with over 30 years of experience in secondary and higher education.
See more - Dr. Jonathon QuestAdjunct Associate Professor at Webster University in Saint Louis and Tashkent, UzbekistanJonathon Quest holds a Doctor of Education in Transformative Learning and teaches doctoral research methodologies
See more
Conference Programme
Two Days of International Expertise, New Ideas and Collaboration
12–13 November 2026
Narxoz University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
The conference will bring together experts to explore key areas of chess education, from school programmes and teacher training to digital learning tools and international educational initiatives.
12–13 November 2026
Narxoz University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
The conference will bring together experts to explore key areas of chess education, from school programmes and teacher training to digital learning tools and international educational initiatives.
12 November — Day 1
13 November — Day 2
Join the International Dialogue on the Future of Education
Raja Gauhar Iqbal
Secretary General, Chess Federation of Pakistan
Secretary General, Chess Federation of Pakistan
Raja Gauhar Iqbal serves as Secretary General of the Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP) and the Chess Association of Punjab (CAP). He contributes to the implementation of chess-in-education initiatives at both national and provincial levels.
Working with the leadership of both federations, he translates policy into practical action through government engagement, programme implementation and grassroots mobilisation.
At the federal level, he has helped advance the Chess in Schools initiative in collaboration with the Federal Education Department, supporting the development of chess rooms in more than 400 public schools.
In Punjab, he contributes to advocacy and implementation efforts to incorporate chess as a twice-weekly sports activity in public schools. The initiative is supported by a network of district chess associations that identifies and trains teachers with chess-teaching skills.
He has also played a key role in securing chess’s inclusion in the Punjab Youth Games for the first time, attracting approximately 8,000 participants from schools, colleges and universities.
With previous experience at Plan International Pakistan in child-centred development, advocacy, communications and capacity building, Raja Gauhar Iqbal brings together expertise in public policy, international coordination and programme development.
His vision is to make chess an accessible, inclusive and sustainable part of school education, nurturing critical thinking, creativity and lifelong learning.
Working with the leadership of both federations, he translates policy into practical action through government engagement, programme implementation and grassroots mobilisation.
At the federal level, he has helped advance the Chess in Schools initiative in collaboration with the Federal Education Department, supporting the development of chess rooms in more than 400 public schools.
In Punjab, he contributes to advocacy and implementation efforts to incorporate chess as a twice-weekly sports activity in public schools. The initiative is supported by a network of district chess associations that identifies and trains teachers with chess-teaching skills.
He has also played a key role in securing chess’s inclusion in the Punjab Youth Games for the first time, attracting approximately 8,000 participants from schools, colleges and universities.
With previous experience at Plan International Pakistan in child-centred development, advocacy, communications and capacity building, Raja Gauhar Iqbal brings together expertise in public policy, international coordination and programme development.
His vision is to make chess an accessible, inclusive and sustainable part of school education, nurturing critical thinking, creativity and lifelong learning.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Have Questions?
For information about participating in the conference, please contact the organisers.
Kazakhstan Chess Federation
Email: chessinedu@kazchess.kz
Official website: https://kazchess.kz
ORGANIZERS
Ramon Chalmeta Ugas
President of the Catalan Chess Federation
President of the Catalan Chess Federation
Ramon Chalmeta Ugas is President of the Catalan Chess Federation and has spent more than a decade developing and promoting chess across Catalonia.
Through “Escacs a l’Escola” (“Chess in Schools”), a programme established by the Federation in 2012, chess has been introduced to hundreds of schools, and thousands of educators have been trained to use chess as an educational tool.
During his presidency, Catalonia hosted an International Chess in Education Congress marking the programme’s tenth anniversary.
Ramon Chalmeta Ugas remains committed to advancing chess education and also directly trains school chess coaches in his hometown of Sant Boi de Llobregat.
Through “Escacs a l’Escola” (“Chess in Schools”), a programme established by the Federation in 2012, chess has been introduced to hundreds of schools, and thousands of educators have been trained to use chess as an educational tool.
During his presidency, Catalonia hosted an International Chess in Education Congress marking the programme’s tenth anniversary.
Ramon Chalmeta Ugas remains committed to advancing chess education and also directly trains school chess coaches in his hometown of Sant Boi de Llobregat.
Ramon Chalmeta Uras
President of the Catalan Chess Federation
President of the Catalan Chess Federation
Ramon Chalmeta Uras is President of the Catalan Chess Federation and has spent more than a decade developing and promoting chess across Catalonia.
Through “Escacs a l’Escola” (“Chess in Schools”), a programme established by the Federation in 2012, chess has been introduced to hundreds of schools, and thousands of educators have been trained to use chess as an educational tool.
During his presidency, Catalonia hosted an International Chess in Education Congress marking the programme’s tenth anniversary.
Ramon Chalmeta Uras remains committed to advancing chess education and also directly trains school chess coaches in his hometown of Sant Boi de Llobregat.
Through “Escacs a l’Escola” (“Chess in Schools”), a programme established by the Federation in 2012, chess has been introduced to hundreds of schools, and thousands of educators have been trained to use chess as an educational tool.
During his presidency, Catalonia hosted an International Chess in Education Congress marking the programme’s tenth anniversary.
Ramon Chalmeta Uras remains committed to advancing chess education and also directly trains school chess coaches in his hometown of Sant Boi de Llobregat.
Dr. Jonathon Quest
Adjunct Associate Professor at Webster University in Saint Louis and Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Adjunct Associate Professor at Webster University in Saint Louis and Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Jonathon Quest holds a Doctor of Education in Transformative Learning and teaches doctoral research methodologies.
Dr. Quest has over 15 years of experience helping develop global chess programs, which have generated over $1 million in total funding and in-kind services, serving more than 10,000 students worldwide.
At Webster University, he spearheaded the landmark Chess in Education Minor—the first undergraduate chess degree in the United States, training more than 2,000 future educators across five years. Though the program has since closed, its success set a benchmark for academic chess pedagogy.
Currently, Dr. Quest is developing a new initiative focused on the future of chess in higher education, finishing his upcoming research-based book, Once Upawn a Knight: A Call to Adventure Through the Chess Child's Mind, and continuing his own journey as a lifelong student of the game.
Dr. Quest has over 15 years of experience helping develop global chess programs, which have generated over $1 million in total funding and in-kind services, serving more than 10,000 students worldwide.
At Webster University, he spearheaded the landmark Chess in Education Minor—the first undergraduate chess degree in the United States, training more than 2,000 future educators across five years. Though the program has since closed, its success set a benchmark for academic chess pedagogy.
Currently, Dr. Quest is developing a new initiative focused on the future of chess in higher education, finishing his upcoming research-based book, Once Upawn a Knight: A Call to Adventure Through the Chess Child's Mind, and continuing his own journey as a lifelong student of the game.
Darmen Sadvakassov
First Vice-President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, Vice-President of the Asian Chess Federation (ACF) for the Northern Asia Region, International Grandmaster
International Grandmaster since 1999, Darmen Sadvakassov is one of Kazakhstan’s most accomplished chess players.
He is the World Junior Chess Champion (U20, 1998) and Asian Junior Chess Champion (U20, 1995), as well as a five-time Kazakhstan National Chess Champion (2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2007). He represented Kazakhstan at four World Chess Olympiads (1998, 2000, 2002, and 2004). In 2025, he won a silver medal at the World Team Blitz Chess Championship as a member of Team KazChess. He is also a winner and medalist of numerous international chess tournaments.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements in chess, he received the Daryn State Youth Award (1999) and was awarded the Order of Kurmet (1998) and the Order of Parasat (2012).
Darmen Sadvakassov is also the Co-Founder and CEO of Chess Legends, an educational initiative dedicated to promoting chess, providing chess education, and developing chess skills.
He is the World Junior Chess Champion (U20, 1998) and Asian Junior Chess Champion (U20, 1995), as well as a five-time Kazakhstan National Chess Champion (2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2007). He represented Kazakhstan at four World Chess Olympiads (1998, 2000, 2002, and 2004). In 2025, he won a silver medal at the World Team Blitz Chess Championship as a member of Team KazChess. He is also a winner and medalist of numerous international chess tournaments.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements in chess, he received the Daryn State Youth Award (1999) and was awarded the Order of Kurmet (1998) and the Order of Parasat (2012).
Darmen Sadvakassov is also the Co-Founder and CEO of Chess Legends, an educational initiative dedicated to promoting chess, providing chess education, and developing chess skills.
Gulmira Dauletova
Executive Director of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation (KazChess), Woman Grandmaster (WGM)
A Woman Grandmaster since 2020, Gulmira Dauletova is one of Kazakhstan’s leading female chess players, with extensive experience competing on the international stage.
She is a bronze medalist at the World Chess Olympiad (2014). As a member of the Kazakhstan national team, she won bronze medals at the Asian Team Chess Championship (2016) and the Asian Nations Cup (2018). She represented Kazakhstan at seven World Chess Olympiads (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018) and three World Team Chess Championships (2013, 2015, and 2019).
She is a three-time Kazakhstan National Chess Champion (2007, 2008, and 2010) and the Asian Girls' U18 Chess Champion (2006). She has also won numerous titles and prizes at international chess tournaments.
Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, contributing to the implementation of strategic initiatives, the development of chess education, and the promotion of chess throughout Kazakhstan.
She is a bronze medalist at the World Chess Olympiad (2014). As a member of the Kazakhstan national team, she won bronze medals at the Asian Team Chess Championship (2016) and the Asian Nations Cup (2018). She represented Kazakhstan at seven World Chess Olympiads (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018) and three World Team Chess Championships (2013, 2015, and 2019).
She is a three-time Kazakhstan National Chess Champion (2007, 2008, and 2010) and the Asian Girls' U18 Chess Champion (2006). She has also won numerous titles and prizes at international chess tournaments.
Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, contributing to the implementation of strategic initiatives, the development of chess education, and the promotion of chess throughout Kazakhstan.
Aliya Zhakiyenova
Head of the Academic Affairs Department at Margulan University, Kazakhstan
An experienced educator and academic leader with over 30 years of experience in secondary and higher education.
She graduated with honors from Pavlodar Pedagogical Institute in 1995, specializing in Primary Education Pedagogy and Methodology. In 2016, she earned a master's degree from Omsk State Pedagogical University.
Aliya Zhakiyenova began her professional career as a schoolteacher in 1995. She later taught pedagogy at the university level and held various leadership positions in higher education. She also worked at the Pavlodar Regional Department of Education and served as Head of the Innovation Center for Educational Development.
From December 2021 to October 2025, she served as Director of the Academic Affairs Department at Margulan University. Since October 2025, she has been leading the university's Academic Office.
Her professional expertise focuses on academic management, curriculum development, and methodological support for teacher education, contributing to the preparation of future educators and the advancement of pedagogical education in Kazakhstan.
She graduated with honors from Pavlodar Pedagogical Institute in 1995, specializing in Primary Education Pedagogy and Methodology. In 2016, she earned a master's degree from Omsk State Pedagogical University.
Aliya Zhakiyenova began her professional career as a schoolteacher in 1995. She later taught pedagogy at the university level and held various leadership positions in higher education. She also worked at the Pavlodar Regional Department of Education and served as Head of the Innovation Center for Educational Development.
From December 2021 to October 2025, she served as Director of the Academic Affairs Department at Margulan University. Since October 2025, she has been leading the university's Academic Office.
Her professional expertise focuses on academic management, curriculum development, and methodological support for teacher education, contributing to the preparation of future educators and the advancement of pedagogical education in Kazakhstan.
Registration
Join the International Dialogue on the Future of Education
12–13 November 2026
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Narxoz University
Become part of a professional community advancing chess as an educational tool and creating new opportunities for children, teachers and educational institutions.
12–13 November 2026
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Narxoz University
Become part of a professional community advancing chess as an educational tool and creating new opportunities for children, teachers and educational institutions.