The United Nations on Monday marked the World Chess Day, which the world body believes could help people calm nerves during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Today is a day of celebration for an intellectual game that for centuries has managed to entertain, stimulate and sometimes even confound millions of us, the world over," Melissa Fleming, undersecretary-general of UN Global Communications, said at a virtual commemorative event.

"And as we celebrate, we remind ourselves of the special value that a game such as chess is bringing to so many people during this awful COVID-19 pandemic," she added.

In her keynote address, the UN communications chief noted that the pandemic represents a physical, social and economic crisis - imposing restrictions on everyone and rendering sports that can be played online, or at a safe physical distance, more important than ever.

According to reports, the pandemic has spurred a surge in chess, with more players coming together online, to compete and enjoy the game.

The United Nations has long recognized that sport, along with the arts and physical activity, has the power to change perceptions, prejudices and behaviors, as well as to break down racial and political barriers.

Playing sport can break down discrimination, defuse conflict, promote education, sustainable development, peace and social inclusion - at local, regional and international levels. Combining sport, scientific thinking and artistic flair, chess is one of the most ancient, intellectual and cultural of games, according to the world body.

Chess also offers important opportunities to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

"The UN is mainstreaming sport initiatives into its work towards development and peace, part of our wider efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030," said Fleming.

This is being done by strengthening education; realizing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

"Increasingly people realize that sport can act as an enabler of sustainable development, peace and social inclusion," she added.

Moderating the event, Armenia's UN ambassador Mher Margaryan said that chess is an "essential part of Armenia's culture, having earned our country, with a population of 3 million people, the title of Olympic and world champion."

Arkady Dvorkovich, president of the International Federation of Chess, noted that he looks forward to making chess "a tool to improve the world."

The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution designating July 20 as World Chess Day, last year.