On June 28, our office had a booth at the African Heritage Festival to highlight UVU and our engagement with Africa. Over the past several years, we have promoted Africa-focused UN Days, held Global Spotlight events and hosted UN Permanent Representatives, Ambassadors, Consuls General and Honorary Consuls to the United States, Government Ministers and Members of Parliament, Humanitarian Leaders and University Representatives and Scholars from many African Countries.

As part of UVU’s UNESCO Chair on AI and Environmental Stewardship for Sustainable Futures, researchers from Utah Valley University and partner universities in Peru have made significant strides in the “Bridging Waters” project—an international effort to assess and address critical water quality challenges. On June 25th, UVU researchers Dr. Sally Rocks, Dr. Lauren Brooks, and Dr. Eddy Cadet presented their most recent findings. The research team collected over 120 water samples from rivers, springs, schools, and kitchens to test for heavy metals, microplastics, and bacterial contamination. Preliminary results revealed widespread arsenic levels exceeding World Health Organization limits—even in tap water—raising red flags for long-term health risks. In addition, some samples showed signs of fecal contamination, and researchers confirmed the presence of microplastics in both urban and rural water sources, signaling a growing and often overlooked pollutant. We are grateful for the dedicated faculty and UVU students who have been testing these results. These findings have sparked critical conversations with local leaders and opened new pathways for technology transfer and community-led solutions, bringing Peru closer to safe and sustainable water access for all.