For Immediate Release

University Marketing & Communications: Melinda Colton | 801-863-6807 | [email protected]

Written by: Alex Sousa | 801-863-8208 | [email protected]

Yanko Dzhukev, a political science major, will be the first student from Utah Valley University to intern at the Mountain Partnership Secretariat under the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome.

Dzhukev was selected from several members of the Utah International Mountain Forum, a coalition of student clubs at UVU, which promotes the United Nations Sustainable Mountain Development agenda in the State of Utah and in the Rocky Mountain region.

“This historic internship for Yanko further solidifies the strong UVU/U.N. links which we have established over the years,” said Rusty Butler, associate vice president of International Affairs. “It is serious global engagement at the highest level.”

The internship begins January 2016, when Yanko will be tasked with conducting research and updating data on the current Mountain Partnership members; helping to prepare information for reports and social media campaigns; assisting with editing and fact-checking; and supporting the preparation of content and mailing list for the monthly newsletter.

“It will be a great opportunity for me to grow professionally and get engaged on global level, and at the same time to promote among the global audience some of the best examples in sustainable mountain development in Utah and North America,” said Dzhukev.

The internship is a result of contributions from UVU faculty and students in promoting the U.N.’s agenda since 2006, when UVU joined the Mountain Partnership.

The FAO coordinates programs and activities advocating global sustainable mountain development and focuses on the global eradication of hunger and malnutrition.