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Thirteenth International Mountain Day Celebration at Utah Valley University

On December 6th, 2022, Utah Valley University (UVU) observed International Mountain Day (IMD) for the thirteenth time, the only academic institution in North America to do so. The Sustainable Mountain Development (SMD) Club at UVU, part of the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF), a coalition of student clubs at UVU, hosted the event through a student-engaged learning (SEL) model. SEL encourages students to address real-world problems as a group with a faculty member serving as a mentor.

As per SEL, students selected assignments from the task list. They designed event agenda, with focus on the main theme of the IMD “Women Move Mountains.” The students identified and reached out to possible speakers, obtained equipment, prepared the room, and printed the materials. They raised funds for and paid for event supplies, designed, and produced the brochure, web announcement, poster for the event and certificates for contributors.  

The event was moderated by Joshua Kooyman, who turned the time over to Jonathan Lubke for introduction of Dr. Baldomero Lago, UVU’s chief international officer. Dr. Lago spoke about IMD observation at UVU importance both for the advocacy of mountain communities and involvement of UIMF to serve as a driving force for that.

Following Dr. Lago, Rachel Welker, UVU student introduced Dr. Rusty Butler, a UN representative for the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences (RANS), a MP member. His remarks covered a wide range of topics including assistance to UIMF members to host four international Women of the Mountains conferences (WOMCs) at UVU and abroad.

Next, McKay Brooks introduced Jokodu Jada, a UVU student who spoke about the issues women, including herself, face daily in her country of birth, South Sudan.

Then Laila Mitchell introduced Handen Torsak, UVU student who spoke on his personal experiences hosting women from Pakistan at his home during the fourth WOMC.

Prianka Prem Kumar, researcher from India was introduced by Tristin Juarez Smith, UVU student. While she spoke about the challenges women face in India, Priyanka reported also about advanced women status in her country in information technologies.

Following Prianka’s remarks, Stephan Atkinson and Rachel Welker, both UVU students, presented FAO-UN certificates to students and faculty who contributed to SMD advocacy throughout the year 2022.

Lastly, Alitha Thompson, UIMF President highlighted successful IMD observation also as an important preparatory event for the UIMF participation at the 67^th session of the Commission on the Status of Women in March 2023.

The event was co-sponsored by the UVU Office for Global Engagement and History and Political Science Department, Orem-Lindon Rotary Club, RANS, and the Utah - China F.I.S.H.D.&.C.

Joshua N. Kooyman, SMD President at UVU

For more information: https://www.uvu.edu/utahimf/blog/2212imd13.html