UNESCO Current Events

January 27, 2026 - Kenya Suicide Prevention AI

Date: January 27

Time: 1:14 pm

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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.

January 21, 2026 - UN and UVU Collaboration with Greece

Date: January 21 - February 05

Time: 12:54 pm

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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. 

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

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Description:

January 16, 2026 - Cameroon Special Education Meeting

Date: January 16 - February 05

Time: 12:40 pm

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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.

December 5, 2025 UVU Researchers Visit Peru

Date: December 05

Time: 3:48 pm

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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. 

December 2, 2025 CHPS Meeting – Cambodia Funding

Date: December 02

Time: 3:45 pm

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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. 

UNESCO NEWSLETTER – NOVEMBER 2025

Date: December 01

Time: 3:19 pm

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

November 20, 2025 Visit from Rectora Lida Ascencios

Date: December 20

Time: 3:12 pm

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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. 

November 19, 2025 Trace Metals Peru Meeting

Date: November 19

Time: 3:07 pm

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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. 

November 18, 2025 Microplastics Peru Meeting

Date: November 18

Time: 2:55 pm - 2:55 pm

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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. 

November 14, 2025 UNESCO Chair AI Meeting

Date: November 14

Time: 1:51 pm

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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. 

November 12, 2025 Microbiology Peru Meeting

Date: November 12

Time: 1:49 pm

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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. 

November 7, 2025 Cameroon Geography Meeting

Date: November 07

Time: 1:46 pm

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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. 

November 3, 2025 Cambodia Meeting

Date: November 03

Time: 1:44 pm

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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. 

November 3 - Meeting with Alina Kirillina UNESCO Paris

Date: November 03

Time: 1:09 pm

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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. 

Special Education Project Meeting with Cameroon 10-31-25

Date: October 31

Time: 1:47 pm

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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

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

Date: October 30

Time: 1:03 pm

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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.

"Think Tank" 10-29-25

Date: October 29 - October 29

Time: 1:34 am

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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.

Philippines Polytechnic Exchange - Oct 21

Date: October 21

Time: 12:32 pm - 12:32 pm

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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.

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

Date: October 15

Time: 12:40 pm

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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.

LaSalle, Philippines Presentation - Oct 13

Date: October 13

Time: 3:39 pm

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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.

AI Presentation to Polytechnic University of Philippines - Oct 14

Date: October 14

Time: 12:45 pm

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Description:

UNESCO Presentation to Cabinet - Oct 10

Date: October 10

Time: 12:57 pm

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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.

Cameroon Geography Meeting - Oct 9

Date: October 09

Time: 1:06 pm

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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.

Peru - Microplastics Meeting - Oct 6, 2025

Date: October 06

Time: 1:10 pm

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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.

Peru Trace Metals Meeting - Oct 3, 2025

Date: October 03

Time: 1:21 pm

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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.

Microbiology Peru Meeting - Oct 3

Date: October 03

Time: 3:01 pm

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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.

Peru Results - Sept, 23, 2025

Date: September 23 - November 06

Time: 3:06 pm

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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.

Amity University Uzbekistan AI Collaboration

Date: September 19

Time: 3:13 pm

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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.

Cambodia Hospital Arrangements

Date: September 16

Time: 3:18 pm

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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. 

Ukraine AI Collaboration

Date: August 21

Time: 3:26 pm

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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. 

Peru Project Presentation - Aug 19, 2025

Date: August 19

Time: 3:30 pm

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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.