UN Diplomat From Tajikistan Shares Her Story With Utah Valley University Students

Shabnam Mullo-Abdolova (fourth from right) with students and members of UVU Foreign Affairs club

On Thursday, March 24, 2011, students of Utah Valley University enjoyed the unique opportunity of hearing the stories and experience of a young woman, currently working with the UN in Sudan, who amazingly enough has a lot in common with many of the students.

Shabnam Mullo-Abdolova is originally from the town of Khorog, which is located high in the mountains of Tajikistan, a small mountainous country in Central Asia that shares its southern border with Afghanistan. She is the oldest child in a family of four children, three of which are currently living abroad. When asked how her parents feel about her international career, she mentioned “of course they miss me and would prefer that I were home with them, but they support me in my career and achieving my personal goals.”

Shabnam started her career as an English teacher and has since served in various state and international organizations in Tajikistan, including the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and at their main office in Vienna, Austria. Since 2006, she has been employed with the U.N. and currently serves as Human Resources officer for the U.N.’s Mine Action Office in Sudan, the largest UN Mine Action office clearing land mines.

When Shabnam was asked what motivated her to start an international career, she stated that it had been a desire of hers ever since she was a little child, struggling with her family to survive the civil war that Tajikistan experienced from 1992-1997. She was so grateful to the different international organizations, that had stepped in to provide food and shelter to the devastated areas, and decided that when she grew up, she too wanted to help and serve people, to help bring peace to the world. She mentioned that the two biggest contributors were the United Nations and the Aga Khan Foundation.

The first time that Shabnam went abroad was in 1996 when she was selected for her academic excellence to come as an exchange student to the United States. After receiving her degrees in Tajikistan and UK, she returned to her home country, where she started to teach English to young children. She soon became involved with the Mountain Society Development Programme, a project of Aga Khan Foundation. This company focused mainly on the underdeveloped areas, such as her remote mountainous area. Shabnam stated that “it could take two days, by car, to get from one remote area to another.” Their main focus has been improvement of infrastructure, including bridges and roadways, which have helped to interconnect the regions etc.

Following working with the OSCE, she was offered a position with the United Nations in 2006. A few weeks after having received the offer for employment, Shabnam was notified that her first assignment would be in Sudan, a country that been suffering from civil strife and war. She stated that she was a bit skeptical at first about going to Sudan, but she decided that she would go and see what it would be like. “I love Sudan. I love the people. At first I was not sure that I wanted to go to Sudan, but I am very glad that I did.” She was asked several questions about her working conditions in Sudan, and how the people treated her. Her office is located in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, and she said that the city is very peaceful and quiet. She told students that often her mother would call her so worried from news that she had heard about Sudan, and she would have to calm her mother down and explain to her that she is in Khartoum, that the incident she heard about was hundreds of kilometers away, and that she was perfectly safe.

Shabanam’s advice to students was to figure out what they want to do with their lives, and then to fully pursue it. To not give up on their dreams. Shabnam was visiting her sister Nilufar Sherzod in Orem, Utah, who is currently studying at Utah Valley University. Shabnam has helped sponsor her sister’s education, as well as her brother’s in Canada. Her presentation was a part of the monthly-held seminar to promote goals and priorities of “Women of the Mountains” international conference hosted by UVU on March 8-9, 2011 under the gender and sustainable mountain development agenda of the United Nations-related Mountain Partnership. It was co-hosted by the UVU Foreign Affairs, Russian and Sustainable Mountain Development clubs.

By Matt Joseph, Student, Utah Valley University

Women of the Mountains Conference; Monday, First Day

Recently Utah Valley University had the great opportunity to host the 2011 Women of the Mountains Conference. The Conference gained attendance from diplomats, ambassadors, organizations and citizens interested in sustainable mountain development from over twenty nations, among them were, Dr. Alexey Tikhomirov, Chief of Transition Economies Unit, DPEPA/DESA, Dr. Douglas McGuire, Coordinator of the Mountain Partnership Secretariat, UN-FAO, Rome United Nations, Honorable Jeffrey Jones, Undersecretary for Agriculture of Mexico (2006-2009), His Excellency Zoran Jolevski, Ambassador of Macedonia to the United States, His Excellency Gyan Chandra Acharya, Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations, Dr. Susan Madsen and Mrs. Karinjo De Vore, Chairperson, Aspen International Mountain Forum, Colorado. The Conference sought to address very specific goals:

1. To continue the coordinated efforts begun at the first Women of the Mountains International Conference (Orem, 2007), as expressed in the Orem Declaration of Mountain Women;

2. To share knowledge about the global status of mountain women, with a strong focus on women in leadership roles around the world working to advance sustainable development in various sectors of activity;

3. To mobilize the Rocky Mountain members of the Mountain Partnership and grass-roots level entities, including high-schools and universities to work together toward specific goals to improve the status of women and increase opportunities for leadership;

4. To provide recommendations for the Mountain Partnership and Mountain Forum members around the world regarding actions to improve the status of women and to increase opportunities for leadership over the next two years with contribution to the agenda of the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.

5. To encourage the next generation to support gender issues and sustainable mountain development (note: high-school and college students throughout state of Utah will participate in all stages of this Conference).

Within the past 6 months there has been a great interest within the Rocky Mountains with respect to the activities of The Mountain Partnership. For this reason Aspen and Basalt Colorado as well as Park City, Salt Lake City and Orem City, Utah have all joined the Mountain Partnership to be a part of the global network of mountain regions and organizations linked together with the common cause to foster mountain growth in all mountainous regions. The 2011 Women of the Mountains Conference was organized with the intention to catalyze these efforts as well as bring organizations together to open the dialogue to development.

Before the opening of the Conference there was a high school essay contest held in which high school students from across the state wrote essays on women’s issues and challenges in mountain regions. The top finalists presented their essays at the Orem Public Library to an audience of visiting diplomats, ambassadors and involved citizens.

The essays were on a variety of topics that ranged from, trafficking of women, education of women and the unequal rights and inferior treatment of women, especially on Native American Indian Reservations. The essays were very elaborate and detailed on problems and solutions. It was very encouraging to witness our next generation of leadership with an already keen understanding of these issues and the ability to diagnose problems and thoughtfully brainstorm plausible solutions.

The winner of the contest, Shelby Jorgensen of Utah County Academy of Sciences addressed the need for education of women in her essay and described many of the tangible and intangible problems that lack of education poses to mountain societies.

At the conclusion of the essay contest many of the ambassadors described the problems and challenges faced by the women and inhabitants of their regions and the successes and triumphs they have achieved. Dr. Douglas McGuire also had the opportunity to address the audience and describe the role of the Mountain Partnership on the international level. He addressed that he is excited to have new members from the Rocky Mountains and felt that they have a lot to offer. Also just as important he addressed that the Rocky Mountains also have w a lot to learn as well. He specifically mentioned the problems among Native American women and that these travesties are occurring in the territory of the Rocky Mountains and need to be reconciled, among others.

The event was finalized with a brief message from Mayor Washburn of Orem. He exclaimed that he was delighted that his city was able to host the conference and applauded the work, study and dedication of the many high school participants of the essay contest.

Salt Lake City Becomes the Newest Member of The Mountain Partnership

It is with great honor that Salt Lake City has become the newest member of the Mountain Partnership, a project launched at the World Summit for Sustainable Development in 2002 and officially partnered with the UN. Since its inception The Mountain Partnership has grown to 50 nations, 16 NGO’s, and 107 major groups, which unite under the banner of progress, prosperity and awareness to tackle the unique challenges that mountain regions of the world face.

Salt Lake City is the first Capitol City in the United States to join the Mountain Partnership. Other cities in the US that have joined are Orem Utah, Basalt and Aspen Colorado.

Utah Valley University, in the city of Orem is also a member of the Mountain Partnership and has been actively engaged in the Mountain Partnership. This has been manifest most recently with its preparations to host the 2011 Women of the Mountains Conference.

The United Nations has already recognized the diligent work that UVU has contributed to mountain regions through the Orem Declaration of Mountain Women, which recognized the important role that women play in the vital growth of mountain regions.

Mountain regions, like that of Salt Lake City’s, contribute significantly to the world economy on many scales. At the same time, life in the mountains is quite challenging in comparison to the living conditions of non-mountain regions around the world. High altitude, remoteness, and lack of developed infrastructure create a difficult environment for mountain communities.

Salt Lake is in an exceptional position to work together, create networks, exchange ideas, and exchange best practices with other mountain communities. It is important that mountain communities maintain relations and open dialogue on successful strategies that can be implemented to profit the community as a whole and foster sustainable mountain growth.

Salt Lake City lies in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and is accustomed to the challenges and obstacles that beset mountain communities. Salt Lake City has successfully traversed through many obstacles and created a broad and vast community in the surrounding region.

Mayor Becker has stated that this is a great opportunity for “Salt Lake City and other communities to with mountain climates to share both knowledge and historical data about development and industry.”

Through the Mountain Partnership Salt Lake City will have the opportunity to further increase its reputation throughout the world as a leader in the development of mountain nations and an excellent example that other mountain regions will be able to emulate.

2011 Women of the Mountains Conference

On March 8-9 Utah Valley University has the pleasure to once again host the Women of the Mountains Conference. Utah has come to be known as one of the leading examples in mountain development.

In the 150 years since Utah has been formally settled, exponential growth has occurred and women have played a vital role in its success. The state of Utah has overcome multiple obstacles on account of its harsh mountain geography. Utah has skillfully navigated these problems and through hard work and collaboration among citizens has been able to master such difficulties.

The Women of the Mountains Conference will engage the distinct challenges faced by mountain communities across the globe, as well as addressing the important role that women play in the development of such regions. One of the main objectives of the conference is to raise awareness and mobilize support from institutions within the U.S. mountain states and global mountain entities, and to assist in the sustainable development of the mountain communities of the world, particularly as it applies to women and children. Unfortunately in many developing mountain nations women and children are hugely misrepresented and their roles are not fully realized.

After successfully hosting the 2007 Women of the Mountains Conference, Utah Valley University earned a reputation as an innovator and leader in sustainable mountain development and women’s roles. The Conference held at Utah Valley University was the first of its kind, and was pivotal in that it addressed the importance of development through the greater roles of women.

At the Conference there were many of the leading figures in sustainable mountain development and women’s roles. They first sought to identify known problems that hinder the success of mountain regions, and then to create practical solutions through dialogue, networking and then implementation of ideas specific to each region.

The 2011 Women of the Mountains Conference seeks to develop direct ties between U.S. mountain states (Utah) and other mountainous countries around the world. The Orem Declaration of Mountain Women, which was produced at the close of the close of the 2007 Conference was recognized at the international level. The United Nations and the World Bank have taken an interest in the activities of Utah.

On the 3^rd of August 2009 the Secretary General of the United Nations addressed the General Assembly on the issue of sustainable mountain development. The Assembly was interested in “status of sustainable mountain development at the national and international levels, including an overall analysis of the challenges that lie ahead, and provides suggestions for consideration by the Assembly as to how to continue to promote and effectively sustain development in mountain regions around the world within the existing policy context.”

The Secretary General then reported that “In response to the Orem Declaration of Mountain Women (the final document of The Women of the Mountains Conference, 2007, organized by Utah Valley University and the Utah-Russia Institute in Orem, Utah, United States of America), several institutions in the Rocky Mountain States of North America established a regional network on sustainable mountain development and gender issues. This led to exchanges of state legislatures/parliaments between Rocky Mountain States and mountain nations in Central Asia; including support of sales by Vista 360, a non-governmental organization based in the United States of hand-made local handicrafts from the mountains of Central Asia in the United States and the funding of cultural exchanges.”

In hosting the 2011 Women of the Mountains Conference, Utah Valley University and the state of Utah are displaying their leadership in achieving true sustainable mountain development on a global scale. Through the Conference Utahans will have a better view of the global mountain community, the obstacles ahead of them, and how practical solutions already implemented in our state will be able to assist in further development abroad.

Please support our State in getting involved with the Conference and help facilitate sustainable mountain development. For further questions or information please feel free to contact us at womenofthemountains@gmail.com.

The Women of the Mountains Conference

Utah Valley University LI 120

March 8-9 2011

Photos Courtesy of

http://ismaili.net/mirrors/pamir_001/page3/taj.htm

http://www.crockettclan.org/blog/?page_id=97

Miss Utah, Cristina Lowe on the Future of the State

While serving as Miss Utah for the past six months, I have come to understand the dynamic, resourceful, mountainous region that we live in. I have traveled every inch of the state and spoken to leaders in almost every city. As I returned from Miss America, I found myself quickly back in classes at Utah Valley University while still trying to maintain a schedule of public service. Funny that my first day back I ended up in one of the most intriguing classes about Sustainable Development. My professor, Baktybek Abdrisaev, is the former ambassador from Kyrgyzstan to the US and Canada. He brings a new perspective about our mountainous region that many of us most likely never think about. That perspective includes recognition that Utah has grown and sustained itself extremely well the past 150 years—despite the challenges that mountainous regions face. Why is this perspective so vital to Utah and its’ future growth you may ask?

Utah Valley University hosts an annual conference called The Women of the Mountains. It is a conference that highlights the importance that women play in helping maintain and create sustainable development in mountainous regions around the world. However, there is a broader purpose behind it—The Mountain Partnership. The Mountain Partnership is bringing countries, cities, groups and organizations together to work towards a common goal: to improve the lives of mountain people and protect mountain environments around the world in coming together to contribute ideas with the intention to benefit all members through joint efforts with the United Nations to create a dialogue on progress and new ideas between Mountain Communities.

The city of Orem just signed a resolution that supported their membership in The Mountain Partnership. Did I mention that they are the second city to join in the United States? Furthermore, the students of UVU are pushing for the State Legislature to support the same resolution that would make the whole state of Utah a member in the partnership. By passing this resolution and becoming a member of The Mountain Partnership, Utah would have the opportunity to send representatives to conferences, exchange economic, ecological, and infrastructural ideas with countries all around the world. This would additionally, create jobs for the citizens of Utah abroad, improve our own state’s economic policies and infrastructure all while gaining political clout on a global level.

As Miss Utah, I have traveled the state and I have met the incredible people that live here. I know the potential that Utah has and I understand the importance of this partnership for Utah. As a strong woman, I am also a strong advocate for empowering women. It is important for the women of Utah to see their role in creating these sustainable policies and changes that will inevitably follow a partnership such as this. Join our efforts and help Utah rise to it’s highest potential by contacting us at womenofthemountains@gmail.com, or get more information at

the Mountain Partnership's web site.

By Christina Lowe: Current Miss Utah and Student at Utah Valley University

International Mountain Day 2010

Mountain regions are inhabited by 10% of the world’s population, and over half of the world’s population relies on the resources that these regions have to offer. These regions cover one quarter of the world’s surface. These fragile and ever changing ecological systems provide large quantities of water, forestry, agriculture, rich biological diversity, great areas of recreation, tourism and social and cultural heritage. Mountain regions contribute significantly to the world economy on many scales. At the same time, life in the mountains is quite challenging in comparison to the living conditions of non-mountain regions. High altitude, remoteness, and lack of developed infrastructure create a difficult environment for mountain communities. Because of this, in many parts of the world covered by mountains one can see a breeding ground for poverty, unemployment, terrorism and other undesirable factors.

The UN General Assembly assigned the year 2002 to be the year of the mountains. The intention of the assembly was to raise awareness of the mountain communities of the world and the unique challenges they face. The assembly hoped to highlight not only the ecological and economical importance of the mountain areas but also to educate governments and peoples that preservation of these areas is essential, not only to mountain regions but lowland regions as well. The goal of having the year of the mountains was to focus expertise to mountain communities and effectively foster sustainable mountain development. The year was such a success that the United Nations named the 11 of December of every following year to be International Mountain Day.

This past December 11 was highlighted by a celebration in Utah at Utah Valley University with groups from many regions around the globe and sharing portions of their culture. There were a variety of presentations from faculty members, like Dr. David Wilson, who focuses on Native Americans issues at UVU and Dr. David Connelly, political Science coordinator at History and Political Science Department of UVU.

There was also culture and hoop dancing from Native Americans of the Navajo Tribe.

UVU student, and Miss United Nations Nilofar from Tajikistan organized several items from their fashion show. From different mountain areas of the globe.

There were also many other events that took place and cultures that were represented.

There were also many prevalent members of the community involved including state representative Chris Herrod. The efforts of Dr. Rusty Butler also greatly contributed to the success of the event.

This March UVU plans to host “Women of the Mountains-2” and it will be a new milestone in its pioneering role in developing ties with mountain communities worldwide and strengthening presence of UVU and Utah as a whole on the map of the activities of international community. It is, indeed a very good development and reason for both UVU and all supporters and friends of the agenda of sustainable mountain development to celebrate today’s International Mountain Day.

Studies, High Altitudes Linked to Suicide

There was recently an article published, Studies, High Altitudes Linked to Suicide some of the unique challenges that mountain regions face. The Mountain Partnership has identified that mountain regions face distinct challenges from their lowland counterparts. By joining various organizations and regions the Mountain Partnership has sought to solve problems such as these through "...addressing the challenges of sustainable mountain development by linking and working together: tapping the wealth and diversity of expertise, information, knowledge and skills from and between one another, to stimulate concrete action that will bring meaningful change to the world's mountain people and environments." The Mountain Partnership was created for the specific purpose to create a dialogue between mountain regions to communicate in a rapidly globalizing world and help facilitate growth and progress.

Orem City Joins The Mountain Partnership

On Tuesday January 11 the city of Orem became the first city in the state of Utah and only the second city, behind Aspen Colorado, in the United States to join the Mountain Partnership. The Orem City Council voted unanimously on a resolution to support the membership of the Mountain Partnership and authorized Mayor Washburn to sign the Mountain Partnership application. Interim City Manager Bruce Chesnut recommended to the Council that by resolution “support the City of Orem’s membership in the Mountain Partnership, a voluntary alliance of partners dedicated to improving the lives of people and protecting mountain environments around the world.” Dr. Odell Miner adjunct professor and Former Ambassador to the US and Canada from Kyrgyzstan, and visiting guest lecturer Baktybek Abdrisaev, of the History and Political Science Department at Utah Valley University were instrumental in bringing together information to help the city of Orem join.
According to its website, The Mountain Partnership is a voluntary coalition 50 countries, 16 intergovernmental organizations and 107 major groups (e.g. civil society, NGOs and the private sector). An official UN partnership, it was launched at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002. Previous to its entrance, The United Nations had already recognized the diligent work the city of Orem has contributed to mountain regions through the Orem Declaration of Mountain Women, which recognized the important role that women play in the vital growth of mountain regions. Each of the members play a role through initiatives to create sustainable mountain development. It is also the mission of the Mountain Partnership to raise awareness and tackle the unique challenges that mountain areas present to its inhabitants.
There is increasing demand around the world for quality, high-value products. In particular, for foods and beverages such as coffee, honey, herbs and spices and for handicrafts, cosmetics and medicines. But even though many of these sought-after products originate in mountain areas, mountain people rarely exploit their market potential and reap the benefits of production. Instead they are often still engaged in producing staple commodities with fluctuating prices. Mountains are rich in resources, yet many mountain people live in poverty. Creating new income-generating activities and enhancing traditional or alternative employment opportunities will help conserve mountain environments and improve the livelihoods of mountain people.
The Mountain Partnership was formed with the intention to educate and not only members of mountain communities, but those of all regions on the importance that mountain regions play on the global scale. Sustainable development in mountain regions is vital to stability for all regions. For example, Switzerland, recognizing the uniqueness and potential of its mountains, adopted special mountain policies. As a result, policies were developed which have turned Switzerland’s mountains into some of the most prosperous regions in the country. Among these policies:mountain communities were given more power to determine their region's development path and how local resources were used, national subsidies were created for agriculture and other forms of development in mountain regions, health care and education were improved to a great extent, profits from tourism were put into the hands of local people rather than being siphoned off to urban centres
Utah’s, and especially Orem’s success can be attributed to many hardworking people who over the years have been governed by proficient principles creating an affluent atmosphere. Utah has an exceptionally diverse economy that has adequately adapted to its unique geography high up in the Rocky Mountains. These include financial services, general services, manufacturing, mining, farming and military and government jobs. Utah’s unemployment remains well below the national average and enjoys a relatively successful standard of living for its citizens. Many people from various states have sought residence in Utah due to its economic opportunities, low cost of living and great familial atmosphere. Utah is also a hotspot when it comes to tourism and recreation. Utah’s mountains contain adventure from skiing in the cottonwoods to hiking the subway in Zions National Park. Many people also come to Utah to hunt, fish, rock climb, hike and tour the many great sites that Utah has to offer.
In the short span of 150 years the people of Utah have changed a desolate desert wasteland into one of the most successful and flourishing mountain regions in the world. Through the Mountain Partnership Orem will be able to network with other members and nations with mountain regions and share principles of success through already designed initiatives. The mountain partnership is a practical system where mountain communities can easily share ideas and best methods with each other.
In the City of Orem Utah Valley University is already a member of the Mountain Partnership and has been able to network, through the Mountain Partnership, with other mountainous nations, regions and groups around the globe striving to improve life in mountainous areas. The most recent project UVU will be working on with the Mountain Partnership is its preparations to host the 2011 Women of the Mountains Conference. Diplomats and representatives from various nations, NGO’s and groups, including the President of the Mountain Partnership Doug Maguire will attend as Utah Valley University hosts the conference, and facilitates the sharing of ideas to create more conducive environments for mountain women to play a more involved and integral role in the development of their communities.
Through the Mountain Partnership the city of Orem will have the opportunity to further increase its reputation throughout the world as a leader in the development of mountain nations and an excellent example that other mountain regions will be able to emulate. hte Mountain Partnership has high hopes for the future of Mountain regions and has expressed them; these include, roads, railways and telecommunications systems that have opened mountain communities to outside influences. These changes have been both good and bad for mountain people. Better transportation, for example, makes it easier for mountain people to move their goods to markets. At the same time, imported goods have become cheaper and more widely available in mountain communities. Some of these imported goods are displacing indigenous products. In the Andes, for example, the recent sudden availability of synthetic yarns has severely diminished the local demand for hand-spun, naturally dyed wools. As access to mountain regions increases, so too does the potential for exploitation of mountain people and mountain resources. Putting power back into the hands of mountain people and advocating policies and practices that ensure equitable access to and distribution of the benefits from mountain rangeland, water, forests and mining are important steps towards alleviating poverty in mountain communities and, in turn, protecting mountain resources.

Jesse Gray Student at UVU

Photos courtesy of
http://www.areavibes.com/orem-ut/city-guide/ and
http://www.alparc.org/news/news-from-the-network-alparc/first-workshop-on-mountain-environmental-education

Micro-finance: A New Weapon To Combat Global Poverty

In January, New York Times columnist David Brooks wrote a great piece called The Underlying Tragedy. He expounds on what made the Haiti earthquake so devastating. He explains that in 1989 there was an earthquake of similar magnitude in San Francisco, yet the death toll only reached sixty-three. This number is significantly less than the tens of thousands of Haitians that lost their lives in the most recent quake.

What is it then that accounts for such disparity in loss of life? Brooks points to poverty and the weak infrastructure it creates. The recent earthquake in Haiti is just a reminder of the poverty that plagues much of the world today. The tsunami in Indonesia and the floods in Pakistan are recent events that remind us of the need around the world for aid. Poverty is a perpetual problem in many countries and it seems that with the current economic crisis it is only getting worse. It can also easily plague mountain regions of the world that have not fully adapted their economies to their geographies. Some of the hardest hit victims of the current, world financial crisis are those that are already suffering from poverty. Stifling circumstances and inflation have made it difficult for the already stretched or non-existent budgets of these poor.

The citizens of the United States and Utah are some of the most charitable in the world, yet there are still many more people who are aware of world poverty, want to help, but just do not know how to do it. One emerging method of aid to help these people in foreign countries comes in the form of micro-lending. Organizations are beginning to surface that provide micro-lending and micro-finance to people that need money to maintain and start their businesses in foreign countries. Some of these institutions include Kiva, MicroPlace, Grameen Foundation and Accion.

Customarily, and especially as of late, banks and lending institutions are not prone to lending money to poor people of the world because it is usually not economically viable. Without access to at least some capital, people living in poverty-stricken countries are not able to maintain and start up businesses, and therefore the communities in which they live remain stagnant and the problems only perpetuate. This is where micro-lending institutions can bridge the gap.

Many of these micro-lending institutions such as Kiva function primarily through field partners. The way it works is that the field partner will find an entrepreneur that is in need of money and then loan them the principal. The field partner will then, through Kiva or other micro-finance institutions take donations in sums as small as $1-25 (depending on the institution) from generous lenders all across the globe to support the efforts of the entrepreneurs and make micro-lending more viable. Kiva then gives the lent money to the field partner. As the entrepreneurs earn money, they repay the field partner who gives that money back to Kiva and Kiva ultimately returns that money back to the lender. The lender is then encouraged to re-loan that money, but they are able to keep it if they wish. Money is easily and quickly transferred through lenders and Kiva through pay pal. It should be noted that as in all loans there is always the risk of default.

Field partners for Kiva range from a myriad of institutions in different parts of the world such as IMON International in Tajikistan and Fundacion Leon in Nicaragua and Central America. On the lending institutions’ web-sites potential lenders may browse through the profiles of entrepreneurs in need in countries around the world. The potential lenders are then able to choose whom they wishes to lend to, and what amount to lend.

These micro finance institutions are not yet person-to-person lending sites, due to the field partners but they hope to achieve this goal someday. In an interview with the New York Times, Premal Shaw, Kiva’s President said “It’s highly imperfect, but it’s like a 3 1/2-year-old child: it has a lot of potential.”

Kiva and other micro-lending are making it much easier for individuals to easily aid those less fortunate in poverty stricken areas across the globe for an extremely low cost. What makes these programs all the more effective and preferable is the fact that even though many lenders give money in the spirit of charity the recipients of loans are further invigorated to pay them back, giving themselves a sense of greater ownership and personal accomplishment, and the money that was paid back from the loan is able to go out and help someone else. Through micro-lending institutions any entrepreneur has the ability and can be empowered to be successful of their own merit.

Micro-finance is evolving quickly and one day we will see many micro-finance institutions that can help those in poverty better decide their own destiny. For now, many of these micro-finance institutions are a good way for people to get involved and in their own small way combat world poverty.

By Jesse Gray, student at Utah Valley University

Photos Courtesy of:
http://www.dailyworldbuzz.com/haiti-earthquake-duration/14482/
http://www.kiva.org/lend/239941

Kyrgyz Elections: The Birth of Democracy?

Recently visiting Professor at Utah Valley University Baktybek Abdrisaev wrote an article for the online journal Open Democracy entitled Kyrgyz Elections: The Birth of Democracy? In his article he writes of the current political climate in Kyrgyzstan and the potential for democracy. Mr. Abdrisaev makes many good points on how Kyrgyzstan can create a successful nation state and many long term goals they have for affluence and democracy in the short and long term ahead. This is a good case of a mountainous region that, with democracy, could have a prospective future.

Photo courtesy of: http://arabnews.com/world/article40852.ece

Utah's Lessons and Potential

The State of Utah has a rich history due to its location in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. with unique features Utah's location provides it with some of the most diverse landscapes in the United States. When the pioneers arrived in Utah in 1847 it was nothing but a vast wasteland, with Indian inhabitants from Utes, Anasazi, Piutes, and Navajo tribes to name a few. These Indians tribes had learned how to adapt and survive in the rugged environment such as the deserts, high mountains, badlands and marshes they found themselves in.

Utah has not become the state it is overnight. It took hard work and many years of persistence and determination to build the great state of Utah. After the pioneers arrived in Utah Brigham Young, the religious as well as political leader of the State sent out members of his faith to settle in many places and were not restrained to just the state of Utah as we know it today. The pioneers faced many problems after settling in Utah. There were incursions with Indians, severe friction with the US government, especially during the Buchanan years and during the Utah War, and properly adapting to the new geographic environment they lived in. Orson F. Whitney described it in such way, “Aside from its scenic splendor there was little to invite and much to repel in the prospect of their [pioneer's] view. On all sides a seemingly interminable waste of sagebrush bespangled with sunflowers, the paradise of the lizard, the cricket and the rattlesnake.” Refining agriculture techniques for for crop cultivation and working with stone from the mountains coupled with great faith and perseverance the pioneers began to build Salt Lake City and Utah into a beautiful place to live.

Utah became a popular spot and at times, a place to settle for those seeking to gain fortunes in the California gold rush. With the completion of the railroad at Promontory Point on May 10, 1869 many more people and goods flowed into Utah. Mining was increasingly enhanced inasmuch as it could be easily shipped abroad. Many stayed to make and to lose their fortunes in mining. From the 1860s to the 1920s hundreds of copper, silver, gold, and lead mines were opened in nearby canyons, including Bingham Canyon. Gigantic smelters were later built to refine the ore.
During the twentieth century Utah began to expand exponentially economically and demographically. From 1900-1930 the state Capitol was built along with many other historic buildings in Salt Lake City. Public transportation, which included a trolley system that was eventually phased out by buses and infrastructure were built to take people all throughout downtown Salt Lake City. Streets were paved and sewer systems were installed. The population of Salt Lake City tripled. The great depression hit Utah and construction slowed during the depression years. During the 60’s construction was let loose again. This time however, many businesses were built in the suburbs outside of Salt Lake. Steps were then taken to revamp the downtown area to keep up and stay competitive with what was going in the suburbs. This contributed again to population increases. In the 70’s many beautification projects were undertaken, augmenting the quality of the city and creating a delightful atmosphere in Salt Lake City. During the 80’s and 90’s the skyline was improved with the expansion and remodeling of many of the buildings downtown. The airport was also updated. These decades preceded the Winter Olympics in 2002, which brought the world to Utah.

Utah’s success can be attributed to many hardworking people who over the years have been governed by proficient principles creating an affluent atmosphere. Utah has an exceptionally diverse economy that has adequately adapted to its unique geography. These include financial services, general services, manufacturing, mining, farming and military and government jobs. Utah’s unemployment remains well below the national average and enjoys a relatively successful standard of living for its citizens. Many people from various states have sought residence in Utah due to its economic opportunities, low cost of living and familial atmosphere. Utah is also a hotspot when it comes to tourism and recreation. Utah’s mountains contain adventure from skiing in the cottonwoods to hiking the subway in Zions National Park. Many people also come to Utah to hunt, fish, rock climb, hike and tour the many great sites that Utah has to offer.

Utah’s success can be shared with other mountain regions of the world that are striving to replicate what Utah has done and the vibrant economy it has created and one way to do this is becoming part of the Mountain Partnership. The Mountain Partnership is an international group of Non-government Organizations, mountain nations and communities and other relevant groups. Their goal is to enable global activities under an agenda of sustainable mountain development help mountain communities to work together, create networks, exchange ideas, and exchange best practices. The Mountain Partnership also seeks to coordinate efforts of mountain communities and together with the on-line Mountain Forum facilitate important dialogue and cooperation. Utah is an international exemplar for success in a mountain region. In a short period of time Utah has been able to do amazing things. Utah now has the potential to lead and teach other mountain communities to do what it has done. Countries that have had trouble developing strong economies with similar geographies include many nations such as Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Algeria, Sri Lanka and Bolivia. These countries have been plagued with civil wars, economic stagnation, poverty and deprivation, this fosters an environment that breeds terrorism and compounds the initial problem. As we have seen in Afghanistan this can result in the cultivation of illegal drugs and despotic, radical regimes that can negatively impact the global community. Utah has the capability to teach these nations how to effectively implement principles that create an ambience for not just economic growth but greater quality of life also.
The former Soviet state Tajikistan is a perfect example of this. With cotton being its most important crop and having the potential to provide jobs, to an already suffering economy. Some of the bigger challenges facing the agricultural sector are extreme debt and methods and equipment are outdated. Just as Utah, Tajikistan also has incredible mining opportunities in silver, gold, tungsten, uranium, but this sector is also antiquated not being able to realize its full potential. Many of these economic complications stem from the Tajik civil war from 92-97. Tajikistan has economic potential, it just needs good guidance and direction. It has a similar geography as Utah, and Utah is qualified to help.

Through the Mountain Partnership Utah has the ability to network and share ideas with these nations through an organization called the Mountain Partnership. One of the main goals addressed by the Mountain Partnership is to “address the challenges facing mountain regions by tapping the wealth and diversity of resources, knowledge, information and expertise, from and between one another, in order to stimulate concrete initiatives at all levels that will ensure improved quality of life and environments in the world’s mountain regions.” There are many nations that are desperately seeking to enhance the quality of life in their countries through reform and economic stability. Many of these nations just need a leader. Utah has a unique opportunity to be this leader and aid these countries productively with knowledge and experience.

By Jesse Gray, Student at Utah Valley University

Photos Courtesy of: http://utahwaterboys.com/utah-water-the-purest-in-the-world/
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=93987&page=72http://www.asianews.it/files/img/TAJIKISTAN_Farmers.jpg

When the Public Square Became Not So Public

Seven times a year the Russian government has to come up with some reason why human rights activists can not exercise their constitutional freedom to gather on Triumph Square in Moscow.  According to the 31st article, coincidentally enough, of the Russian Federation’s Constitution, “Citizens of the Russian Federation shall have the right to assemble peacefully, without weapons, hold rallies, meetings and demonstrations, marches and pickets.”
 
However, recently President Medvedev signed a new bill into law that extends the powers of the Federal Security Service (FSB).  The new law allows officials to warn and punish individuals for “creating the conditions” for crimes.  This law clearly leaves room for flexible interpretation, which will most definitely go to the benefit of the state, and will give authorities the ability to prosecute for thought crimes.  Many argue that by passing this law, Medvedev has put a stain on his liberal efforts.  After Promoting a law that effectively limits the right to freedom of expression and conscience, and enables the KGB predecessor, the FSB, with preventative powers, Medvedev argued that the Russian political system will remain “open, flexible and internally complex” as well as keeping society “free, secure, critical thinking, self-confident people.”

The May 31st gathering on Triumph Square in Moscow was met with strict resistance from the local authorities.  One activist, who attended, Bela, said that when she got off the Metro at the Mayakovskaja station, there stood an abundance of police officers as well as soldiers with Kalashnikovs on their shoulders.  As she came out of the metro onto the street, the square was completely barricaded and full of law enforcement officials.  The only way that she could go was back down into the metro.  It did not matter if you were an activist or a local resident trying to get home, they did not allow any people to exit the metro station.  Bela eventually made her way back from a different area through alley ways, to join only a handful of other activists who were able to make it onto the square, to almost immediately be kicked out by law enforcement.
 
This was a gathering of human rights activists.  Yes, it could be seen as a political opposition to a tyrant ruler, but in reality it was merely a gathering of citizens standing up for their constitutional right of peaceful assembly.

The July 31st gathering on Triumph Square was a different story.  The Russian Ministry of Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy held a series of sporting events on this day.  Was it coincidental that they planned the drifting (a sport involving cars) event on the same square?  When I asked Yuri Samodurov, former director at Andrei Sakharov Museum and Society Center, he agreed that it was most definitely planned.
As we came up from the same metro station that Mrs. Bela had issues with on May 31st, and exited out on to the street, five feet in front of the doors, the square was barricaded once again.  This time they had a reason.  These sports cars were spinning out of control and they needed to keep the public a safe distance away from the danger.  Even though the barricade ran parallel to the building, creating a corridor in which you could walk around the event, there were police blocking from all sides and demanding that we go back down into the metro.  If they really were having a sporting event, then why would they not allow people to come and watch it?

Although the area which was being used for the drifting event was only a third of the square, another third was barricaded off, as a bumper zone.  There was literally no room for any spectators of the sporting event, let alone for the demonstration of human rights activists.  Regardless, the activists still gathered where they could, on the opposite side of the square.  To get from the metro to the other side was near impossible and required going through two lines of police officers and through an area of buses full with soldiers.

The large number of riot police and troops were posted all around the barricade and area, and were ready to pounce on the right activists at any given moment.  Sadly, as the activists started to shout their slogans for freedom of assembly, just this happened, and many were dragged off and arrested.  In total, an estimated 30 people were detained from the event.  Amongst those arrested were distinguished opposition figures to the Kremlin, Boris Nemtsov and Sergei Udaltsov.  There were also many other prominent figures from Moscow’s various human rights organizations, including Yuri Samodurov  and Lev Ponomaryov, director of “All-Russian Public Movement For Human Rights” and a former parliament member.  
 
There were similar rallies held in St. Petersburg and Kiev, Ukraine, in support of the Moscow demonstration. Police also detained several people in both these cities as they struggled to break up the rallies.

By Daniel Adams Jr. A UVU student intern in Russia

Photos Courtesy of: http://www.rferl.org/content/Russian_Activists_Opposition_Apply_For_Mass_Gathering_In_Moscow/2194037.html
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/40130/

“Women’s Perspectives from Around the Globe: An International Symposium” at Utah Valley University

On Thursday September 2nd, 2010 “Women’s perspective from around the globe: an international symposium” was held at Utah Valley University. Students and community members gathered to hear presentations given by many successful and influential women from around the world. The key guest presenters were Mrs. Mariza Graca Lima ( Wife of Consul General of Brazil), Dr. Galit Dayan (wife of Consul General of Israel), Mrs. Kamsiah Kamaruddin (wife of the Consul General of Malaysia), Mrs. Jan Ippolito (wife of the honorary Consul General of Liberia and president of the Los Angeles Ladies Consular Corps Association), Mrs. Lala Abdurahimova (wife of the Consul General of Azerbaijan) and Mrs. Ingrid Hirstin Lazcano ( Wife of former Consul General of Bolivia). Also, Dr. Susan R. Madsen & Dr. Tcholpon Akmatalieva were the moderators for the panel of session 2.
The guest speakers started their presentations by introducing themselves and the country they were from. While all the speakers spoke on similar topics about the success and advancement of women in the business world as well as the political sector they all brought a different perspective and a very unique story of their personal achievements as women and the progress that their countries have made with women’s rights.
Each woman shared personal stories of the choices and decisions that they made in their lives that helped them become the women of influence that they are today. When the question “What pushed you to be a woman of influence?” was asked, they all had an experience earlier in their life that touched their hearts and planted a desire in them to help others and be leaders even if it was uncommon for a woman to do so at the time or in their cultures. One woman told the story of growing up in a Muslim family where women were not allowed to go to school or become leaders. She decided that is not what she wanted for her life and is now a successful diplomat today.
Each of these women made commitments to themselves to become a woman of influence and not just what the world or people of their countries viewed as being a woman. They wanted to make a difference in this world and their societies and that is what they have done and are still doing today. Almost every one of them put education as a pillar of their success. We think that this statement is very important to young ladies in Utah where there is a problem with a smaller proportion of the female population attending college. As Dr. Tcholpon Akmatalieva highlighted: it is not enough to wish to be women of influence and make a difference. It is also important to be able to fulfill that wish. Education gives women knowledge and skills for that.
One bold message that was proclaimed is that you do not have to choose between being a wife and mother or having a career and going after your dreams. The message to women is that you can have both. You can have it all in today’s world if you own your time and manage it wisely. You can find the true happiness that you pursue if you really want it.
All who were in attendance were inspired by the message that each these women presented. Kathie Kriek, a UVU student stated. “All of the speakers were really good and inspiring to me as a woman. I was able to see women from around the world and how much work they put into their lives. They also showed me how amazing you can be as a woman and that if you want it no one can hold you back from it. They also showed me that women all over the world are becoming stronger and more independent. This however does not stop them from having a family life and supporting their husbands in their jobs.”
The conference was directed towards women, it strongly affected many of the men who were in attendance as well. Eric Seegmiller another student of UVU, who was in attendance stated the following. “Although it seemed to be addressed to the audience of women, I took to heart a lot that was said, and I know that it will make me a better leader and a more influential person in the world today.”
We personally had the opportunity to talk with few of the guests and during our conversation with them we found out that they were very hopeful and optimistic about the future of women in general. They mentioned that women are making a difference no matter whether it was being a mother, a CEO, a doctor or a diplomat; they all believed that we had so much to offer to our society.
Seminar was organized by office of International Affairs and Diplomacy at Utah Valley University with personal contribution from Dr. Rusty Butler, Associate vice-president and the Honorary Consul General of Russian Federation to the State of Utah.

Written by Samridhi Poudel and Don Southwick, students of Utah Valley University