UNESCO Current Events

Oct

Screenshot of presentation with a map of sampled locations, a picture of 4 researchers.

October 23, 2026 – Trace Metals in Peru Presentation by Dr. Eddy Cadet

Date: October 23 - October 23

Time: 1:02 pm

Location:

Description:
On October 23, 2026, Dr. Eddy Cadet presented the initial research findings on trace metals in Peruvian water to collaborating Peruvian universities, researchers, and officials. The full video of his presentation can be found on our YouTube channel, here.

Sep

Screenshot of a Teams presentation with a map of Peru and picture of Dr. Lauren Brooks

September 30 – Bacterial Analysis of Water Samples in Peru

Date: September 30 - September 30

Time: 12:54 pm

Location:

Description:
On September 30th, 2026, Dr. Lauren Brooks gave a presentation to Peruvian researchers, and officials with the initial findings on Microbial Ecology in Peruvian water systems. The full presentation can be watched on our YouTube Channel, here.

Jul

Two UVU students plastering a stone wall in Greece.

July 26 – August 26, 2026: UVU Architecture Students Attend Blossoming Stones Workshop/ Conference in Greece.

Date: July 30 - August 06

Time: 12:42 pm

Location:

Description:

In the mountain village of Lagadia, Greece, Utah Valley University Architecture students joined master craftsmen and international scholars for the 8th annual Stonemasonry Workshop and International Conference hosted by the non-profit Blossoming Stones. Over nine days, they restored a watermill, cobblestone path, and ruined house using dry-stone techniques, then took the conference stage to present their own research on historic sites during lectures, representing UVU alongside faculty and scholars from across Europe. Students came away with a deeper commitment to preserving cultural heritage, and the partnership continues with the 9th workshop planned for July 2027.

Jul

July 13-31, 2026: Occupational Therapy and Social Work in Indonesia

Date: July 13 - July 31

Time: 12:07 pm

Location:

Description:

Ten Utah Valley University students in Occupational Therapy Assistant and Master of Social Work traveled to Yogyakarta, Indonesia, for Global Learning and Collaborative Care, a UNESCO Chair project that pairs two weeks of online coursework with an in-person residency alongside students from Indonesia and Hong Kong. Focused on interprofessional geriatric care, the experience took students into homes and communities for hands-on assessments and cross-disciplinary case work, building on a prior-year workshop that trained more than 160 caregivers of children with cerebral palsy. The project aims to send students home with deeper cultural humility and collaboration skills, while laying the groundwork for a lasting, reciprocal partnership.

Aug

Green and blue cover of students performing global fieldwork.

July 2026, UVU UNESCO Chair Annual Report 2025-2026

Date: August 01 - August 01

Time: 11:45 am

Location:

Description:
This summer we published our second Annual Report, highlighting our many projects and global fieldwork experiences from this year. To learn more about the impact our students are making around the world, please click to read the entire report.

Jun

June 2026 - Living Landscapes in Benin - Environmental Student Fieldwork in Benin

Date: June 20 - June 13

Time: 11:34 am

Location:

Description:

In June 2026, a Utah Valley University team traveled to central Benin for Living Landscapes, a UNESCO Chair project that pairs satellite mapping with village interviews to understand why some sacred forests endure while others disappear. Early findings suggest that forests fare best where spiritual and political authority are held together, and that culture and belief can protect the land as powerfully as any policy. This fall, students will connect the satellite record to what they heard in the field, building on partnerships that bring together UVU’s research capacity and Beninese communities’ generations of knowledge.

Jun

UVU student smiling in group photo with children in Cambodia in school uniforms.

June 11 2026, Cambodia Public Health and Nursing Global Fieldwork

Date: June 13 - June 11

Time: 11:58 am

Location:

Description:

This summer, students from Utah Valley University’s College of Health and Public Service traveled to Cambodia to work alongside Angkor Hospital for Children, a partnership formalized by an MOU between the two institutions. Nursing, EMS, and Public Health students contributed through their own disciplines, from donating more than 100 school uniforms and teaching hand hygiene to rural communities, to delivering a research lecture to AHC’s nurses and physicians. Built on reciprocal learning rather than one-sided service, the partnership will expand in June 2027 with a new early childhood special education program at the hospital.

Jun

Teachers standing for a group photo in front of an audience of elementary students, holding a UNESCO banner

June 6-9, 2026: Thailand Project with UVU School of Education

Date: June 06

Time: 5:10 pm

Location:

Description:
What does it look like to put UNESCO’s ideals into practice? For Dr. Adam Orgulu and a cohort of UVU School of Education graduate students, the answer took shape this past June in Bangkok, Thailand. Through an eight-day collaborative exchange with Chindamanee School, the program moved international educational cooperation out of the abstract and into the classroom — producing meaningful professional growth for educators on both sides of the partnership.

May

UVU Faculty with a group of Philippines faculty steated for a group photo

May 7, 2026: Philippines Visit from Cyber Security and English Faculty

Date: May 07

Time: 4:57 pm

Location:

Description:
At the beginning of May, UVU faculty and students from Information Systems and English travelled to the Philippines to meet with partners in the "Advancing AI Education, Research, and Professional Development" project. The group gave lectures at several universities in the country including De la Salle College of Saint Benilde, Far Eastern University, and Polytechnic University of Philippines. The focus of this research was on the ethical use of AI and cyber security. The group was also invited as key speakers at the Army Military Operations in the Philippines headquarters to speak on AI. The last key component of the trip was a visit to Tahanan Walang Hagdanan, the National Council of Disability affairs, an organization that empowers individuals in wheelchairs. This organization has faced security breaches in their donations platforms, but has partnered with our UVU team to not only fix the issues, but train IT staff in the Philippines. From research on a university level, to direct problem solving in the field, this project embodies the UNESCO Chair objectives of sustainable action through AI education.

Apr

April 13: An Evening for Ukraine Concert

Date: April 13 - June 19

Time: 1:37 pm

Location:

Description:
The UVU Symphony Orchestra welcomed Ukrainian-born violinist and Harrisburg Symphony concertmaster Peter Sirotin for “An Evening for Ukraine,” a performance honoring Ukrainian culture and resilience. Blending powerful music with meaningful context, the concert created a space for reflection on the human impact of ongoing conflict. The Office for Global Engagement supported event logistics and hosted visiting Ukrainian Consul General Dmytro Kushneruk, who traveled to UVU specifically for this event and offered valuable insights on Ukraine’s cultural resilience and current realities.

Apr

Students from the Dominican Republic and UVU in a group photo.

April 8-12, 2026: Humanities and Social Sciences in the Dominican Republic, "Aprender Y Emprender"

Date: April 08 - April 12

Time: 12:50 pm

Location:

Description:
From April 8–12, 2026, students and faculty from Utah Valley University traveled to the Dominican Republic as part of the Aprender y Emprender project through the UNESCO Chair at Utah Valley University and the SPAN 3200 course. In partnership with CEZOPAS in Bayaguana, students spent six weeks teaching foundational entrepreneurship concepts virtually before traveling to meet participants in person and present certificates of completion. During the trip, UVU students reviewed business concepts such as SMART goals, supply and demand, social media marketing, and resource management while also providing one-on-one mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs in the community.

Apr

April 4-10, 2026 : PT and Social Work Set-Up in Indonesia

Date: April 04 - April 10

Time: 12:32 pm

Location:

Description:
From April 3–10, Utah Valley University Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and Assistant Professor Dr. Lynn Farley and UNESCO Chair Administrative Assistant Kaise McLane traveled to Yogyakarta to establish partnerships and prepare for an upcoming international fieldwork program that will bring Occupational Therapy and Social Work students from UVU to Indonesia. During the visit, the delegation met with faculty and administrators at Duta Wacana Christian University to strengthen academic collaboration opportunities and explore future student engagement initiatives.

Apr

April 1 : Chinchero, Peru- Urban Planning Collaboration

Date: April 01 - April 02

Time: 5:24 pm

Location:

Description:

UVU’s UNESCO Chair team met with leaders from Chinchero, Peru to initiate a collaborative project addressing rapid urban growth driven by a new international airport. The partnership will focus on sustainable urban planning, environmental protection, and culturally informed development strategies to guide the region’s future.

Mar

Presenter in front of a screen and students showing LiDAR images of the Agios Achilios of Pentalofos

Greece Project Conference

Date: March 21

Time: 4:54 pm

Location:

Description:
On March 21, a conference was held showcasing the work of the UNESCO Chair project in Greece: "Capturing the Agios Achilios of Pentalofos." Michael Harper and Emily Hedrix of UVU Digital Media and Aliki Milioti of the UVU Architecture programs presented the imaging and measurements that dedicated UVU students contributed to this UNESCO site.

Feb

UNESCO Chair February Newsletter

Date: February 02 - April 02

Time: 4:11 pm

Location:

Description:
Read the February Newsletter for the UNESCO Chair.
February Newsletter

Jan

DR BUSINESS PROJECT

Date: January 01

Time: 3:33 pm

Location:

Description:

Utah Valley University’s Spanish Business class is launching a virtual, Spanish-language entrepreneurship course for the Bayaguana community, equipping participants with practical skills in business planning, finance, marketing, and sales. Developed in collaboration with local partners, the program fosters economic opportunity while giving UVU students hands-on, cross-cultural experience as they apply their learning to support sustainable community development.

Jan

EMS student teaching airway management on mannequin

JANUARY 2026 DR EMS FIELDWORK

Date: January 01 - March 20

Time: 3pm - 4:07 am

Location:

Description:

After four years of collaboration, Utah Valley University’s Dominican Republic EMS Project provided students with a transformative, hands-on experience in teaching, cross-cultural exchange, and real-world emergency response, reinforcing both their clinical skills and professional identity. By stepping into educator roles and responding to an unexpected accident, students gained confidence, global perspective, and a deeper commitment to serving as future EMS leaders.

Jan

January 27, 2026 - Kenya Suicide Prevention AI

Date: January 27

Time: 1:14 pm

Location:

Description:
The Suicide Prevention AI meeting explored how thoughtfully designed artificial intelligence tools could support suicide prevention by making help more accessible and responsive. UVU researchers and collaborators discussed the potential for a pilot project in Kenya that centers ethical use, cultural context, and AI’s role in strengthening human care and saving lives.

Jan

January 21, 2026 - UN and UVU Collaboration with Greece

Date: January 21 - February 05

Time: 12:54 pm

Location:

Description:
While on their recent trip to Greece for the UVU UNESCO Chair project, "Capturing the Agios Achilios of Pentalofos", UVU faculty Dr. Aliki Milioti and Michael Harper presented the project to UN offical Felipe Quiepo. They discussed the origins of the project, the cultural and historical significance of the Byzantine chapel, and the work that they and their students have been conducting while on site. Especially emphasised was the honor and prestige that UNESCO as a whole reached out to them to support their work in capturing this historic site.

Jan

January 14-25, 2026 - UVU Students and Faculty Travel to Greece to Capture the Agios Achilios

Date: January 14 - January 25

Time: 1:22 pm

Location:

Description:

Utah Valley University Digital Media/ Architecture faculty and students traveled to Pentalofos, Greece, to document Agios Achilios, a centuries-old Byzantine chapel at risk of deterioration, as part of an internationally recognized cultural preservation effort supported by UNESCO. Using a combination of advanced digital technologies and traditional architectural documentation methods, the team created a lasting record of the site while providing students with immersive, hands-on experience in global heritage preservation.

Jan

January 16, 2026 - Cameroon Special Education Meeting

Date: January 16 - February 05

Time: 12:40 pm

Location:

Description:
Project leaders and Cameroonian collaborators met to review Phase One objectives for the inclusive education initiative, focusing on learning disabilities within Cameroon's education context. The discussion addressed methodology, ethics, timeline, and budget, with an emphasis on ensuring screening tools, professional development, and classroom strategies are culturally appropriate and feasible.

Dec

December 5, 2025 UVU Researchers Visit Peru

Date: December 05

Time: 3:48 pm

Location:

Description:
UVU researchers and students traveled to Peru to collaborate with local universities, laboratories, and government partners on hands-on water quality research, studying trace metals, microplastics, and environmental health across multiple regions. The visit emphasized international collaboration, student-led field and lab work, and shared methodologies to advance sustainable water research benefiting both Peru and Utah.

Dec

December 2, 2025 CHPS Meeting – Cambodia Funding

Date: December 02

Time: 3:45 pm

Location:

Description:

In a recent coordination meeting, the team discussed new funding opportunities for hospital projects, plans to request student support funding, and upcoming presentations. They also finalized next steps for donor engagement, scheduled follow-up meetings, and shared updates on logistics—all while keeping collaboration and preparation for future initiatives moving forward.

Dec

UNESCO NEWSLETTER – NOVEMBER 2025

Date: December 01

Time: 3:19 pm

Location:

Description:
Read more about the UNESCO Chair in our latest Newsletter

Dec

November 20, 2025 Visit from Rectora Lida Ascencios

Date: December 20

Time: 3:12 pm

Location:

Description:
UVU proudly welcomed Rectora Dr. Lida Ascencios Trujillo of Peru’s Universidad Nacional de Educación, who also serves as the nation’s Superintendent of Education—the highest academic leadership position in the Peruvian government. Her visit strengthened collaboration on the Peru Water Project as she toured UVU laboratories, met with faculty and students, and was recognized for her pivotal role in advancing international research partnerships that improve water sustainability and education in both nations.

Nov

November 19, 2025 Trace Metals Peru Meeting

Date: November 19

Time: 3:07 pm

Location:

Description:
In our recent trace metals meeting, researchers and university partners across Peru finalized logistics for December’s fieldwork, coordinating sample collection of soil, fish, and water for heavy metal analysis in Puno. The team discussed lab equipment needs, standardized protocols, and student involvement to ensure readiness for collaborative studies alongside parallel microbiology and microplastics projects in Chosica.

Nov

November 18, 2025 Microplastics Peru Meeting

Date: November 18

Time: 2:55 pm - 2:55 pm

Location:

Description:
In our latest microplastics meeting, researchers and university partners in Peru coordinated sampling plans for fish, water, and sediments across regions including Trujillo, Huancavelica, and Lake Titicaca. The team finalized protocols, preservation methods, and lab collaboration details to prepare for December’s joint research trip and hands-on student involvement.

Nov

November 14, 2025 UNESCO Chair AI Meeting

Date: November 14

Time: 1:51 pm

Location:

Description:
In our recent meeting, faculty discussed lessons from the AI Institute grant process, emphasizing interdisciplinary projects, sustainability, and clear assessment plans. The conversation also explored shared solutions for API tokens and highlighted upcoming opportunities through the Faculty Summer Institute with an AI focus.

Nov

November 12, 2025 Microbiology Peru Meeting

Date: November 12

Time: 1:49 pm

Location:

Description:
Our recent microbiology meeting with partners in Peru laid the groundwork for our upcoming research trip, focusing on aligning sampling protocols, confirming equipment needs, and coordinating with universities and municipalities. These discussions ensure that when our team arrives, we’ll be ready to collect water and fecal samples, standardize E. coli monitoring, and build capacity for long-term collaborative studies.

Nov

November 7, 2025 Cameroon Geography Meeting

Date: November 07

Time: 1:46 pm

Location:

Description:
Our recent meeting spotlighted two exciting research initiatives in Cameroon: mapping climate change vulnerability hotspots across diverse ecological zones and exploring how rapid urban growth fuels urban heat island effects. The discussions underscored innovative methods, striking maps, and practical strategies designed to boost resilience and guide sustainable development for communities and cities alike.

Nov

November 3, 2025 Cambodia Meeting

Date: November 03

Time: 1:44 pm

Location:

Description:
The conversation centered on the need to secure institutional and donor support to help students participate in an international program by reducing financial barriers. Participants discussed coordinating through established university channels and building on past partnerships to strengthen and expand future opportunities for student involvement.

Nov

November 3 - Meeting with Alina Kirillina UNESCO Paris

Date: November 03

Time: 1:09 pm

Location:

Description:
On November 3, the UVU UNESCO Chair met with Alina Kirillina of UNESCO Paris to discuss our interdisciplinary approach, the strong progress made since the Chair’s launch, and opportunities for deeper collaboration moving forward. We are grateful for the recognition and continued engagement from our colleagues in Paris.

Oct

Special Education Project Meeting with Cameroon 10-31-25

Date: October 31

Time: 1:47 pm

Location:

Description:
Faculty from Utah Valley University and the University of Bamenda, Cameroon, met to advance a joint UNESCO Chair initiative aimed at strengthening inclusive and special education through international collaboration. The partnership seeks to build research capacity, share best practices, and promote equitable access to quality education across regions.

Attendees:

University of Beau - Cameroon
Melem Linda Fangwi
Lambert Wirdze
Ndzetal Emmanuel
Elsie Effange

University of Bamenda - Cameroon
Asangha Ngufor Muki

UVU
George Odongo
Jennifer Call
Cami Burton

Oct

Utah Kenya meeting screenshot over Microsoft Teams

First meeting on Utah and Kenya Project on Mental Health 10-30-25

Date: October 30

Time: 1:03 pm

Location:

Description:
The meeting brought together representatives from the University of Maseno and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Kenya, along with faculty from Utah Valley University and the UNESCO Chair team. Participants discussed cultural, social, and economic factors influencing mental health in Kenya, including stigma, generational differences, and limited access to mental health care. The group explored collaborative goals focused on reframing mental health as a legitimate medical issue and developing a mobile app to provide accessible, anonymous mental health support for students.

Oct

"Think Tank" 10-29-25

Date: October 29 - October 29

Time: 1:34 am

Location:

Description:
On October 29th, the UNESCO Chair participated in a "Think Tank" hosted by Maria Blevins, Director of the Research Institute. The group discussed ideas and research projects concerning environmental stewardship an sustainability, covering everything from environmental literary dialog in the Caribbean, to classical architecture preservation in Bolivia using drones footage. We were grateful to be a part of these discussions with several faculty and explore potential collaboration under the UNESCHO Chair program.

Oct

Teams meeting with members of the Polytechnic University in the Philippines and UVU faculty.

Philippines Polytechnic Exchange - Oct 21

Date: October 21

Time: 12:32 pm - 12:32 pm

Location:

Description:
On October 21, Utah Valley University and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines met virtually to discuss collaborative opportunities in Information Systems and IT education. The meeting highlighted shared goals to strengthen research partnerships and support student-led AI initiatives.

Oct

Rep Dominican Business Meeting with Monsenior from the DR - Oct 15

Date: October 15

Time: 12:40 pm

Location:

Description:
On October 15, a meeting was held to discuss the beginning of a new project in the DR, Learn and Launch Program. This free Spanish-language course empowers low-income individuals with essential financial and entrepreneurial skills, including budgeting, market analysis, and business creation. Participants will also learn about accessing capital, managing expenses, and marketing strategies. The program will be offered at the local community center to help aspiring entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses.

Oct

LaSalle, Philippines Presentation - Oct 13

Date: October 13

Time: 3:39 pm

Location:

Description:
On October 16, Utah Valley University met with De La Salle University in the Philippines to discuss future collaboration in artificial intelligence and information technology. The presentation emphasized shared goals in advancing ethical AI education, supporting student-led innovation, and building global academic partnerships.

Oct

AI Presentation to Polytechnic University of Philippines - Oct 14

Date: October 14

Time: 12:45 pm

Location:

Description:

On October 14, Utah Valley University delivered a presentation to the Polytechnic University of the Philippines focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence in education and industry. The session explored ways to prepare students for an AI-driven future through collaborative research, ethical training, and hands-on project opportunities.

Oct

UNESCO Presentation to Cabinet - Oct 10

Date: October 10

Time: 12:57 pm

Location:

Description:
On October 10, the UVU UNESCO Chair presented its global initiatives and achievements to the UVU Presidential Cabinet. Director Baldomero Lago highlighted more than 16 active projects worldwide, emphasizing how these efforts create meaningful opportunities and lasting benefits for UVU students and the broader Utah community.

Oct

Cameroon Geography Meeting - Oct 9

Date: October 09

Time: 1:06 pm

Location:

Description:
On October 9, the UVU UNESCO Chair met virtually with project partners in Cameroon to discuss progress on environmental and climate change research. The team reviewed the use of satellite imagery and geospatial analysis to assess climate risks and planned next steps for on-the-ground data collection. The meeting also celebrated the signing of an MOU, strengthening long-term collaboration between UVU and Cameroonian institutions.

Oct

Peru - Microplastics Meeting - Oct 6, 2025

Date: October 06

Time: 1:10 pm

Location:

Description:
Researchers from UVU and partner universities across Peru met to refine the goals and methods of the Microplastics research group. Led by Dr. Sally Rocks, the team discussed upcoming analyses of over 100 water samples collected from regions including Trujillo, Lima, and Lake Titicaca, as well as expanding investigations to include freshwater fish such as trout. Participants emphasized the need to compile existing literature on microplastics in Peru, standardize sampling methods, and identify research priorities across drinking water, natural waters, and aquaculture systems.

Oct

Peru Trace Metals Meeting - Oct 3, 2025

Date: October 03

Time: 1:21 pm

Location:

Description:
On October 3, the UVU and Peruvian research teams met to review preliminary findings on trace metal contamination in Lake Titicaca and the Ramis River. Led by Dr. Eddy Cadet, the study identified elevated levels of arsenic and zinc, along with evidence of mining-related copper and lead pollution. The group outlined plans for a December 2025 field visit, expanded sampling to include soils, sediments, and fish, and new training initiatives to strengthen local research capacity.

Oct

Microbiology Peru Meeting - Oct 3

Date: October 03

Time: 3:01 pm

Location:

Description:
The team reviewed water quality findings from Chosica and the Rímac River, discussed plans for December fieldwork in Peru, and outlined priorities for E. coli monitoring, molecular source tracking, and lab equipment needs. Collaboration with Peruvian partners and resource sharing will be key to generating publishable data and advancing the Utah–Peru project.

Sep

Peru Results - Sept, 23, 2025

Date: September 23 - November 06

Time: 3:06 pm

Location:

Description:
Researchers reviewed preliminary findings from the Bridging Waters Project, highlighting arsenic contamination in multiple regions, localized fecal contamination risks, and emerging microplastic pollution. The team outlined next steps for capacity building in Peru, expanded sampling, and collaborative strategies to improve water safety and inform policy.

Sep

Amity University Uzbekistan AI Collaboration

Date: September 19

Time: 3:13 pm

Location:

Description:
UVU and Amity University Tashkent explored opportunities for joint research, dual degree programs, and AI-focused teacher training. Discussions highlighted Uzbekistan’s strong national emphasis on IT and AI, active government partnerships, and ongoing initiatives like IEEE conferences. Next steps include drafting a collaboration proposal and identifying faculty for future exchanges and joint projects.

Sep

Cambodia Hospital Arrangements

Date: September 16

Time: 3:18 pm

Location:

Description:
On September 16, the UNESCO Chair met with leaders of the Cambodia public health project to discuss involvement in the hospital. Students will have opportunities to shadow in the hospitals and learn from our global partners.

Aug

Ukraine AI Collaboration

Date: August 21

Time: 3:26 pm

Location:

Description:
On Aug 21, the UNESCO Chair met with Ukraine researchers to discuss collaboration on AI projects. We look forward to further collaboration with our Ukrainian collegues.

Aug

Peru Project Presentation - Aug 19, 2025

Date: August 19

Time: 3:30 pm

Location:

Description:
On August 19, 2025, The Bridging Waters project in Peru presented their initial research findings to Peruvian officials, college presidents, UVU faculty, and potential business collaborators. The March 2025 field campaign revealed widespread arsenic contamination across multiple regions, localized human fecal contamination, and emerging microplastic pollution in rivers and household water sources. These findings underscore urgent health risks and the need for infrastructure improvements. The project aims to expand sampling, build local testing capacity, and develop collaborative research and policy solutions to secure clean water and promote sustainability in Peru.