Date: Monday, December 2, 2025
Time: 11:30 AM-12:45PM & 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Utah Valley University
Join us as we celebrate the 16th Annual International Mountain Day at Utah Valley University! This year’s event will feature inspiring discussions on the importance of mountain regions. As homes, symbols, and sources of strength. Our guests will explore how mountain communities around the world adapt, connect, and thrive despite environmental and social challenges.
We are honored to welcome:
OUR DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS
Lynn Hill - Internationally Known Climber
Legendary Rock Climber, Author, and Global Advocate for Women in Sports
Lynn Hill is one of the most accomplished and influential climbers in the history of the sport. She made history as the first person ever to free climb The Nose on El Capitan in Yosemite Valley. One of the most iconic and challenging routes in the world. This groundbreaking ascent, completed in 1993, stood unmatched for nearly two decades and forever redefined the limits of human endurance and technical skill in climbing.
Over her career, Lynn has won more than 30 international climbing competitions, including five victories at the prestigious Arco Rock Master in Italy. Her accomplishments extend far beyond the climbing wall. Lynn has appeared on national television, been featured in National Geographic, Time, Sports Illustrated, and Outside Magazine, and has co-authored her autobiography Climbing Free: My Life in the Vertical World.
Currently based in Boulder, Colorado, Lynn continues to travel, teach, and speak around the world. She is passionate about environmental stewardship, personal growth through adventure, and empowering women and youth to pursue their goals fearlessly.
Dr. Muktar Djumaliev - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kyrgyz Republic
Dr. Djumaliev is a distinguished diplomat and economist who has represented the Kyrgyz Republic across the globe for over two decades. He has served as the Ambassador to the United States, Canada, and Switzerland, and as the Permanent Representative of Kyrgyzstan to the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.
He holds degrees in economics, law, and international law and economics from leading universities in Kyrgyzstan and Switzerland, as well as a Ph.D. in Diplomacy from the Geneva School of Diplomacy.
Born and raised in a mountainous nation, Dr. Djumaliev brings a personal and professional perspective on how mountain regions shape both culture and policy. His talk will explore the role of mountain countries in fostering international cooperation, sustainability, and resilience in a changing world.
Dr. Matt Olson, Assistant Professor of Earth Science at UVU.
Dr. Olson primarily interested in understanding how changes in mountain glaciers and snowpack influence the energy and water balance. Previous work involves optical remote sensing and surface energy balance modeling on glaciers in High-mountain Asia and modeling and remote sensing applications over alpine snowpack in the wester US. An avid climber himself, he combines scientific expertise with a deep personal appreciation for mountain landscapes.
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM | Main Lecture
Welcome and keynote presentations from Lynn Hill and Dr. Muktar Djumaliev.
Topics will include the significance of mountain regions, global collaboration for
sustainable mountain development, and the personal and professional journeys of both
speakers.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Private Lunch and UVU Tour
Invitation-only lunch with our distinguished guests and select UVU faculty, staff,
and students.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | UVU Students Presentations About Contributions to the UN Sustainable Mountain Development Agenda.
Members of the Utah International Mountain Forum, a coalition of student clubs at Utah Valley University will present their projects and initiatives with focus on advocacy of sustainable mountain development agenda in the State of Utah and at the United Nations.
RSVP Information
To help us ensure enough seating for all attendees, please RSVP using the Microsoft Form below.
