Utah Valley University earned a UNESCO Chair designation to leverage AI for education and sustainability, fostering global partnerships and enhancing learning in Africa, Latin America, and beyond.
February 21, 2025, Orem, Utah
Utah Valley University (UVU) has been awarded a UNESCO Chair designation, joining an elite global network dedicated to leveraging education, science, and technology to solve pressing global issues.
UVU’s focus? Harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance education, environmental stewardship, and sustainability—starting with initiatives in Africa and South America.
UVU is now one of only 30 universities in the U.S. to receive this prestigious designation. This membership connects UVU with a worldwide network of educational and governmental institutions that collaborate on research, share best practices, and host international events to drive meaningful change.
“This designation is a prestigious recognition that highlights UVU’s commitment to tackling global challenges through education, research, and international collaboration,” noted Baldomero Lago, UVU’s Chief International Officer. “It will give our students and faculty hands-on experience across the world, allowing our research, teaching, and service to make a real difference.”
UVU’s efforts will focus on what UNESCO defines as the Global South—countries in Africa and Latin America. Faculty and students will mentor school leaders in these regions, using AI to develop tailored educational programs that address students’ unique needs.
Over the next four years, UVU plans to establish at least five new international partnerships, creating opportunities for student and faculty exchanges. These collaborations aim to foster intercultural dialogue, enhance learning experiences, and build global connections between educators and students.
Beyond its international initiatives, UVU will integrate insights from the UNESCO Chair program into its own curriculum. Faculty will receive training on cutting-edge research and AI-driven teaching methods, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of educational innovation.
“This designation signals that Utah Valley University is at the forefront of tackling some of the world’s most important challenges,” Lago remarked. “By improving academic performance, promoting sustainability, and enhancing intercultural understanding, this program will have a lasting impact not just on UVU, but on global education as a whole.”
UVU now stands alongside renowned institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, and UCLA in holding a UNESCO Chair designation. The recognition underscores the university’s growing influence in global education and its commitment to shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future.
For more information about UVU’s UNESCO Chair Program, call 801-863-7301.