On United Nations’ Day, October 25th, 2024, Ambassador Michelle J. Sison, Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs, spoke to Utah Valley University (UVU) students about the United States role in multilateral diplomacy including the importance of international collaboration and educational opportunities. During her speech, Ambassador Sison called Utah Valley University a “role model” for multilateral affairs education. UVU encourages students to advocate for sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly for mountain communities at UN forums like the sessions of the Commission on the Status of Women. Distinguished guest Sison then recognized the school’s strong global connections and deep engagement with international relations. She was immensely impressed with UVU’s Sustainable Mountain Development course, a student-engaged learning (SEL) class that dives deep into United Nations processes and involves both traditional and non-traditional students in the advocacy of the SDGs.
Ambassador Michele J. Sison acts as the United States Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs, and has previously served in other diplomatic roles around the world. She couldn’t imagine a more “fulfilling way to serve”, detailing years overseas in countries such as Haiti, Pakistan, Lebanon, Cameroon, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates.
Ambassador Michelle J. Sison and UVU Community Pose for a Group Photo
As Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs, Ambassador Sison leads teams of foreign and civil service officers to develop and implement US policy related to multilateral diplomacy. With a strong emphasis on lifting up vulnerable populations, Ambassador Sison and her team work with the entire United Nations system to promote global health security, conflict resolution, humanitarian aid, and democracy. She holds deep respect for the UN workers, such as peacekeepers, development workers, and humanitarian experts, who operate in dangerous situations. Throughout her speech, distinguished guest Sison highlighted many world conflicts that the UN acts on, including wars in Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, and Sudan. Recently the UN has acted on resolutions for ethical and sustainable use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), combating the opioid epidemic, and holding countries accountable for human rights violations.
Ambassador Sison then detailed several programs available for students interested in furthering their careers at the United Nations, including the US Junior Officer Program, an internship opportunity for UVU students to find a pathway to the UN. For US citizens, Ambassador Sison also recommended the Foreign Service Fellowships, with specializations in information technology, diplomatic security, and international affairs. This program provides two paid summer internships for students, one in Washington D.C. and another in an international location.
Ambassador Sison Meeting with UVU Student leaders in global affairs
Members of the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF), a coalition of student clubs at UVU advocating for sustainable mountain development in the State of Utah and globally, the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club, UVU’s Office of Global Engagement, and UVU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences thank Ambassador Michele J. Sison for her contributions towards student success. After the speech and Q&A session, gifts were provided to the distinguished guest by Ana Caballero Ferreyro, Vice President of UIMF, and Mike Rich, President of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club.
Mike Rich, the President of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club, and Fellow Rotarians Present Michelle S. Sison with Honorary Gifts
As someone who wants to work in public health and public health policy, I’m extremely grateful for the mentorship and expertise Ambassador Sison provided towards me and other students in a subsequent lunch. Distinguished guest Sison took time to get to know each and every student, providing opportunities for them to match their interests with professional development. Ambassador Sison was grateful to meet Janessa-Michelle Purcell, Ana Caballero Ferreyro and me, leaders of UIMF, as we prepare UVU students for the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women next March. Ambassador Sison expressed her best wishes to our team and hopes to see UVU students at this important gender forum, dedicated to reviewing the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcomes of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly. Many people at UVU have worked tirelessly for the development of leadership development for future students, by being involved in the advocacy of the SDGs at the UN, including but not limited to Dr. Baldomero Lago, Dr. Ross Butler, Dr. Jay DeSart, Dr. Baktybek Abdrisaev, in addition to Mary Cisneros, and Christ Hermes Louyoko Nianza.
-McKay Jones, UIMF Vice President of Event Operations and Management
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FAO-UN-About Ambassador Sison's Visit
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District 5420 Rotary Newsletter About Visit
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STUDENT REFLECTIVE ESSAYS
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24-10-29-Luke Cahoon - Ambassador Sison Lecture at Utah Valley University
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24-10-30-Martin_Figueroa_UN Day:_ Ambassador_Michele_Sison_visits_Utah Valley University
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24-11-01-Carter-Darger-United Nations Day at Utah Valley University with Ambassador Michele J. Sison
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24-11-10-Mary Cisneros-Hosting Ambassador Michele Sison at Utah Valley University
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