Carrie Laudie | Staff Writer | @carrielaudie
Two Utah Valley University students had the opportunity to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York City from September 22-26. They were accompanied by Dr. Rusty Butler, associate vice president in the Office of International Affairs, and Dr. Geoffrey Cockerham, professor of history and political science. The group was given diplomatic privileges by the country of Belarus, which allowed them to sit at the Belarus table on the floor of the General Assembly during the first week of general debate.
“A representative from the Belarus mission also gave us an extensive tour of the building and facilities of the UN Headquarters during our visit,” said Cockerham.
This rare experience was made possible by UVU’s unique relationship with the UN, and especially Dr. Butler’s extensive work with the consulate in San Francisco. It is almost unheard of for students to have the opportunity to sit on the same floor as diplomats, presidents and prime ministers.
The main theme of the session was Delivering on and Implementing Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda. In addition, delegates also discussed urgent crises situations taking place because of the conflicts in Ukraine, South Sudan, Syria, Iraq, Palestine, and Israel along with the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa especially the epidemics in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
The speakers included the prime ministers of Japan and Australia as well as the presidents of Colombia, Croatia, Gambia, Madagascar, Iran, Peru, Poland, Zimbabwe and the European Union.
This is an opportunity that only a handful of students from UVU get to have. Most that are selected to go are recommended to Butler from the Model UN Club on campus. Most are also involved in international studies in one way or another.
“Participation at the session has opened my mind, taught me how to interact with diverse cultures, and how to develop critical thinking. I also may say without hesitation that attending the UN’s General Assembly provided me with skills and opportunities which will be impossible to acquire in the classroom,” said Djiba Soumaoro, an international relations student.
“Because we have been so gracious in our hosting, and they have seen such wonderful things and people while they are here, the word on the street at the UN is that if you get invited to Utah, you go,” said Butler.
Just this past year UVU had 13 ambassadors and others closely affiliated with the UN come speak to students. Many times after their speeches, these dignitaries open up time to students for Q&A. Students have previously had the opportunity to talk to these men and women off record and get their thoughts on a variety of things. When the ambassador of Iraq came to UVU, he was taken to the Capitol Reef Research Center, where he stayed overnight with students and faculty. One thing many students may not be aware of is that all expenses of these dignitaries coming to visit campus, along with the experiences shared by students, are funded by donors.
To read more about the experience, visit: http://utahimf.org/uimf-members-at-the-united-nations/
