16th International Mountain Day Observation at Utah Valley University

On December 2, 2025, Utah International Mountain Forum Members Observed the 16th International Mountain Day at Utah Valley University

Logo for the International Mountain Day

Poster IMD Final

Poster of the Event Signed by Presenters

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PowerPoints of Presentations

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Ms. Hill PPT Dr. Djumaliev Presentation Dr. Olson Presentation

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UIMF Contribution to SMD

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Group photo taken with all the organizers and participants of the International Mountain Day at Utah Valley University

On Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, Utah Valley University (UVU) student hosted its 16th Annual International Mountain Day (IMD) observation, with livestream access for online participants. The event brought together distinguished speakers including Ms. Lynn Hill, world-renowned climber; Dr. Muktar Djumaliev, former Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to the United States; and Dr. Matt Olson, UVU Earth Science professor and mountain studies scholar. The observation of IMD contributes to the sustainable development advocacy for mountain regions and communities initiative of the United Nations (UN) Mountain Partnership. This year’s IMD theme is “Glaciers matter for water, food and livelihoods in mountains and beyond.” Through the Student-Engaged Learning model (SEL), the program followed a structured schedule led by multiple student moderators, who introduced speakers, managed transitions, and guided discussions. While Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF), a coalition of student clubs at UVU was an offical host of the event, it was also part of the POLS3560G, Comparative Politics of Central Asia class contributing to the final examination of it by the enrolled students. As part of the student leadership team, I supported the setup and organization of the event and helped ensure that it ran smoothly from start to finish. SEL encourages students to resolve practical problems related to mounain communities as a group with faculty mentoring them.

Lynn Hill Speaking

Lynn Hill kicking off International Mountain Day.

The event opened with remarks by Janessa-Michelle Purcell, President of the UIMF, followed by an introduction of Ms. Lynn Hill by Natalia Figueroa, UVU Foreign Affairs Club President, leading into Ms. Lynn Hill’s presentation. Her insights stood out to me the most, she spoke not only about her groundbreaking experiences in the climbing community but also her deep passion for sustainable and clean energy. Listening to her discuss the relationship between environmental responsibility and mountain preservation was both inspiring and grounding. She emphasized the importance of legislative advocacy such as the PARC Act, and encouraged young people in the audience to be responsible toward the natural world. She also sared her experiences of climbing highest peaks all over the world, including in the Kyrgyz Republic. The Kyrgyz Republic will host the 2nd Global Mountain Summit in 2027 as an important summarizing event for the UN Five Year of Action for Sustainable development of Mountain Regions. Ms. Hill has emphasized the importance to demonstrate environmental action not only by experts by everyone who benefit from and appreciate mountain environments. Listening to Ms. Hill's discussion of the relationship between environmental responsibility and mountain preservation was both inspiring and grounding.

Shortly after, Aemish Brock, UVU Foreign Afairs club vice-President introduced Dr. Muktar Djumaliev, prominent diplomat from the Kyrgyz Republic, whose online presentation offered a valuable international perspective, especially regarding Central Asian mountain regions and their influence on water systems, culture, and geopolitical cooperation. Dr. Djumaliev highlighted how The Kyrgyz Republic became of the states on a global arena to advocate for the sustainability for the mountain communities, by hosting the 1st Global Mountain Summit in 2002 and most recently by co-sponsoring at the UN a resolution about Five Year of Action for the Sustainable Development of Mountain regions from 2022 to 2027. He emphasized that the Kyrgyz Republic must balance economic development with cultural preservation and environmental protection. He emphasized the need for global partnerships, cross-border cooperation, and long-term investment in sustainable industry with a leading role of the UN Mountain Partnership. Distinguished Kyrgyz diplomat has invited participants of the event at UVU to take part at the 2nd Global Mountain Summit in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz Republic in 2027. It was also an opportunity for UVU students, who are planning to go to 2026 tudy Abroad Program in Geneva to get acquainted with him as one of the co-host of the UVU delegation at the World Trade Organization.

Aemish Brock (top photo) introduces Dr. Muktar Djumaliev (bottom)

My own role came next, as I introduced Dr. Olson and transitioned the audience into his academic analysis of mountain environments and their sociopolitical significance. Dr. Olson, as Assistant Professor of Earth science at UVU offered a scientific, data-driven examination of glacier retreat with changes in snowpack and water system both in the United States and worldwide. This process is acceleratd in particular by climate change and tourism. Dr. Olson emphasized that while glaciers are retreating worldwide, it is an important priority to undertake joint community actions, including from young people. His academic lecture helped us to undestand how we all can slow environmental degradation and promote sustainable mountain development.

Dr. Matt Olson giving his presentation for International Mountain Day.

All speakers emphasized the global and local importance of protecting mountain environments. For communities in Utah, whose daily lives are shaped by the Wasatch Range, the message held particular relevance. Mountain ecosystems affect water access, recreation, wildfire patterns, and cultural identity. International Mountain Day created an important space to connect these global issues with local understanding, encouraging participants to consider how environmental stewardship can strengthen communities.

During the session, we had the honor of hearing about a special announcemen made by Dr. David Connelly, Director of Research at the Utah Valley University Herbert Institute of Public Policy. The Herbert Institute plans to publish edited volume titled 'Advancing Sustainable Mountain Futures: Insights from Utah and Global Mountain Regions,” dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the UVU joining the UN Mountain Partnership. One of the requirement of the submitted papers is that they must have studnts as co-authors. This was encouraging news for the UVU students, who plan to go to a 2026 study Abroad Trip to Geneva and New York, which requires them to present research papers in both places. The announced initiative would allow UVU students be better prepared for the visit next summer.

Dr. David Connelly Speaking at International Mountain Day

The event concluded with a Q&A session moderated by Janessa-Michelle Purcell, UIMF President. There were more than 15 questions provided to the UIMF leadership from students enrolled in class. They focused on climate change and adaptation, UN role in the increasing attention to the challenges for livelihoods of mountain communities, community advocacy for the sustainable mountain development, the importance of cultural and ecoligical preservation of mountain ecosystems. Janessa Michelle Purcell has limited the Q & A session by asking just one question for each presenter and providing a list of other questions them later in a written form. Her own question was about the challenges faced by both mountain and small-island communities from the climate change and why the mountain communities are not paid a similar attention by the UN and international community.

Q and A session: questions asked by students ( L to R): Garrett Bingham, Alley Holt and Samuel Oleson.

The event concluded with a ceremony of presenting Certificates of the UN Mountain Partnership to all contributors to the sustainable mountain development advocacy in the State of Utah and at the UN in 2025. Ms. Lynn Hill kindly agreed to present certificates of the United Nations Mountain Partnership to all recipients.

Certificates Presented to Sponsors of the Event

Daniel Horns Dean of ES Janet Colvin CHSS David Connelly Herbert Institute

Dr. Daniel Horns, Dean of College of Science Dr. Janet Colvin, Associate Dean, College Dr. David Connelly, Research Director, of Humanities and Social Sciences The Herbert Institute for Public Policy

Jay DeSart, HPOLS Matt Olson Earth Science Cathy RCOOL

Dr. Jay DeSart, Chair, History and Political Dr. Matt Olson, Assistant Professor, Earth Mrs. Cathy Ambrose, President, Orem-Lindon

Science Science Rotary Club

Abdrisaev Baktybek HPOLS Cholpon Akmatalieva HPOLS Tanicca HPOLS

Dr. Baktybek Abdrisaev, Mentor, Utah Dr. Cholpon Akmatalieva, Adjunct Faculty, Mrs. Tanicca Armstrong, Administrative

International Mountain Forum History and Political Science Assistant III, History & Political Science

UIMF leadership has celebrated the achievements of all participants, faculty, students and local community leaders from Utah county.

Certificates Presented to Student-leaders of the UIMF, a Coalition of Student Clubs at UVU

Janessa-Michelle Purcell, President, UIMF Natalia Figueroa, President, Foreign Affairs Club Kade Van Ry, VP, Foreign Affairs Club

Aemish Brock, VP, Foreign Affairs Club Curtis Bristol, VP, Foreign Affairs Club Alley Holt, VP, Foreign Affairs Club

Erynn Lammi, VP, Rotaract Club Louyoko Nianza, Member, Rotaract Club Ana Caballero Ferreyro. Member, UIMF

The event reflected UVU’s strong SEL model, which centers on empowering students to take active roles in real-world projects as one team, with their teacher just mentorin them. By helping organize the event and supporting its logistics, I was able to contribute meaningfully to a major internationally recognized observance. This hands-on involvement transformed what could have been a typical academic lecture into a collaborative experience that required communication, coordination, and leadership. Working with fellow student leaders, including Janessa-Michelle Purcell, Kade Van Ry, Natalia Figueroa, Aemish Brock, Alley Holt, Curtis Bristol, Erynn Lammi, Antoine Mwambo, and many others, showed me how impactful student teamwork can be.

Utah International Mountain Forum president, Janessa-Michelle Purcell, Lynn Hill, and Dr. Matt Olson.

After the main lecture, club leaders, members of the UVU Rock Climbing Club, and special guests headed to lunch, hosted by the UIMF, where sandwiches, pizza, and drinks were provided. This casual setting gave students and guests an opportunity to mingle and connect with one another.

Following lunch, the club leaders concluded the day with a presentation to Dr. Matt Olson and Mrs. Lynn Hill, highlighting UIMF’s history, mission, and contributions to the Mountain Partnership through student leadership and international diplomacy. The presentation also showcased the accomplishments of former UIMF students, including Tony Medina, former President of the Foreign Affairs Club who now works at the State Department, and Janessa-Michelle Purcell and McKay Jones, who represented Salt Lake City at the global finals of the MAP System Competition at Oxford University to present on air pollution. Dr. Olson and Mrs. Hill were highly engaged and expressed genuine interest in our initiatives.

Presentation highlighting the history and mission of the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF)

Presentation highlighting the history and mission of the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF)

Following the lunch-in, Natalia Figueroa joined Dr. Bob Palais, Dr. Matt Olson, and Mrs. Lynn Hill on a tour of the UVU Outdoor Adventure Center and the UVU Rock Climbing Club facilities. During the tour, both Dr. Palais and Mrs. Hill tried climbing in the gym, creating an exciting and memorable experience for everyone. This portion of the event highlighted the collaboration between UIMF and the UVU Rock Climbing Club, demonstrating how student-led initiatives can combine recreation, leadership, and mountain advocacy.

Touring the Rock Climbing Club facilities and participating in climbing activities with our guests

Touring the Rock Climbing Club facilities and participating in climbing activities with our guests

Participating in the International Mountain Day event left me feeling proud and grateful. Hearing from experts who care deeply about mountain environments strengthened my own interest in global issues, environmental responsibility, and community engagement. Although I did not have extended conversations with speakers afterward, the experience itself left a strong impression, it showed me the importance of bringing diverse voices together to discuss challenges that affect both local and international communities. Being part of the organizational team helped me appreciate the value of student leadership and the impact we can have in creating meaningful educational experiences. This event deepened my commitment to global awareness and reinforced my interest in future work involving international collaboration and environmental policy.

Written by Ana Caballero.

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STUDENT REFLECTIVE ESSAYS

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25-12-08-Louyoko Nianza-UIMF Members Gather to Celebrate International Mountain Day 2025

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25-12-08-João Petter Utah Valley University Celebrates United Nations International Mountain Day 2025

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25-12-08-Antoine Mwamba My Contribution to the 16th International Mountain Day Observation

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25-12-08-Nicholas Robinson -International Mountain Day Observation at UVU

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