UVU to Host Open World Delegates

Reading Time: 2 minutes

In an effort to facilitate international understanding, the Open World Program has invited five government leaders from Kyrgyzstan to explore various aspects of Utah from June 12 through the 20.

The Open World Program is dedicated to establishing a system of leaders in specific regions who have had significant exposure to American democracy, government and our free-market system.

Utah Valley University’s Office of International Affairs & Diplomacy is acting as host for the delegation for Open World.

“As the local host, UVU is thrilled to facilitate the creation of meaningful partnerships among local organizations and Open World delegations.” said Maryna V. Storrs, the Program Coordinator of the Office of International Affairs and Diplomacy. “Our goal is to provide educational as well as networking opportunities that the delegates will surely utilize upon return to their home countries.”

Five well qualified delegates were chosen after a competitive application process . Their country of Kyrgystan has been involved in Open World since June of 2007. Open World intends to assist Kyrgystan in improving their judicial system and in making it more accessible.

The program brings a group of four to five participants accompanied by a facilitator for theme based visits to the U.S. It usually begins with an orientation in washington dc followed afterwards by a program in a local community.

The delegates will have the opportunity to tour UVU’s newly built library, examine the activities of social services organizations, discuss copyright laws with professionals, learn how to prevent juvenile crime, visit the legislature and participate in many other activities relevant to their occupational interests.

“Open World delegations give exposure to UVU on the local, national and international level,” Storrs said. “For example, this particular delegation was able to meet with Senator Bennett and Congressman Chaffetz in Washingon D.C. to discuss their purpose of coming to Utah and UVU.”

This program includes home-stays with residents and daily professional appointments. Each program’s focus varies from federalism, representative government, rule of law, health, environment, economic development, education reform and social services. This will be the third group UVU has hosted this year.

Other countries involved in Open World include Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Lithuania and Russia.