On November 13th, 2019, the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) established its chapter at Utah Valley University (UVU) through the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF), a coalition of student clubs on campus at UVU. UIMF advocates for the United Nations Sustainable Mountain Development (SMD) Agenda in the State of Utah and in North America since 2011.

It would provide more opportunities for UIMF to involve our members in the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and sustainable mountain development in Utah as well.

UNA-USA has already supported efforts of UIMF in promoting SMD agenda and highlighted that by posting a toolkit on why mountains matter and adding the International Mountain Day to observe among the UN event recommended to all its chapters around the United States.    

The chapter was created as a result of the support from the UVU Office of Global Engagement which facilitated a partnership since 2018 between UIMF and UNA-USA youth engagement manager Anna Mahalak. Two sides worked closely during preparations and participation at the 68th United Nations Civil Society.  Conference, co-hosted by UVU with Salt Lake City on August 26-28, 2019, involved youth in all activities and UIMF contributed to it by hosting a workshop and a poster session.

UIMF is looking forward to continuing cooperation with UNA-USA and during the 64th session on the Commission on the Status of Women, which UIMF members are currently making final preparations for.

Samuel Elzinga, President, UIMF.