Former Ambassador Michele J. Sison speaks to UVU students about the importance of international collaboration and educational opportunities.
Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations, Michele J. Sison, spoke to Utah Valley University (UVU) students about the United Nations’ role in managing global conflicts on October 24, 2024. With over 43 years of experience at the UN, Sison also spoke about job and internship opportunities for students.
Sison emphasized that no country can face their problems alone, highlighting the UN’s crucial role in alleviating harm in conflict-torn areas. Right now, UN peacekeepers in Lebanon are working to keep humanitarian corridors open, ensuring civilians receive essential aid and safety.
Sison expressed deep concern over the lack of access to vital humanitarian assistance for more than 2 million people suffering in Gaza. She hopes that the UN can work for a “ceasefire and return of hostages” in the region.
Michele J. Sison then addressed various global issues and the measures the UN takes to alleviate them. Right now, Sison wants the United States to focus on the connections between food insecurity and war, specifically in areas like Sudan. More information about Sudan can be found here: https://news.un.org/en/focus/sudan-conflict
Sison praised the United States for its efforts to call out Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine, stating, “we will continue to shine a spotlight in these issues in the UN system.” Ambassador Sison also praised Utah International Mountain Forum members, a coalition of student clubs at UVU, for advocating for mountain women at the 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women in March 2023.
Recently, the United Nations, led by the United States, outlined measures for the responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence. Susan thinks that trustworthy AI can promote health, education, clean air, and sustainable development worldwide. More information about that resolution can be found here: https://press.un.org/en/2024/ga12588.doc.htm
