Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, has delivered a keynote address at the 2025 United Nations Games opening ceremony in New York.
Sharing his experience on Instagram, Onakoya expressed humility and gratitude for the opportunity to speak alongside sports legends like Manny Pacquiao and Giorgio Chiellini.
Emphasizing that the universal language of chess transcends borders, race, class and disability, Onakoya said “Yesterday, I had the rare and humbling honor of delivering a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2025 @unitednations games. It was my first official invite to a United Nations conference as a special guest so it all felt surreal.
“When I learned I’d be speaking alongside sporting legends like Manny Pacquiao, Giorgio Chiellini to a room of esteemed ambassadors and diplomats steering the fate of nations, I felt a wave of nerves and doubt.
“But as I stepped into the conference room, a quiet truth anchored me: I belonged here. Not despite my journey, but because of it. And my experiences and stories were just as valid as anyone else’s.
“I spoke about the universal language of chess and how it transcends borders, race, class and even disability. I stood in the gap for the children and shared how, through our work @thegiftofchess and @chessinslums, we are using this game not just to educate and teach strategy, but to help every child believe they belong, and that there’s a place for them in the world.
“As my speech came to a close, I invited the children and my friend Russ to join me on stage. We had flown into New York together from Atlanta and had to run through the crazy NYC traffic to make it just in time for my speech.”
He also highlighted his work with Chess-In-Slums, an organization that uses chess to educate and empower children.
He added that one of the young girls had the opportunity to deliver a heartfelt speech, which earned a standing ovation from the audience.
Onakoya said “The spotlight wasn’t just mine—it was theirs too. And in a moment I will never forget, one of the young girls took the microphone and gave a speech so heartfelt, that the entire room rose in applause.
“I felt really proud as they didn’t just share the spotlight with me, they ignited it and showed that, given the right opportunity, they can also shine on the world’s biggest stages.
“Their story is fast becoming one the world can no longer ignore. My heart is full, our dreams are truly valid.”
