Global Minnesota

Global Minnesota's Great Decisions foreign policy discussion groups make international topics accessible to people all across the state. Anyone can join or start a group to begin discussing important global topics in your community. One of this year's Great Decisions topics is AI and National Security. Artificial Intelligence has the potential to change large sections of the global economy, social interactions, and geopolitical dynamics. On May 19, Global Minnesota will be hosting an in-depth discussion all about the intersection of AI and National Security with one of our newest Great Decisions Speakers, Ren Bin Lee Dixon. This episode is primer on the upcoming conversation with Ren Bin to help bring you up to speed on all things AI. She is an Artificial Intelligence policy researcher with a Master's in Public Policy, specializing in AI governance, from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. As a Research Fellow at the Center for AI and Digital Policy, she provided policy recommendations to governments and multilateral organizations, shaping frameworks for responsible AI governance. Ren Bin also collaborates with the Center for Security and Emerging Technology on policy briefs addressing AI harm.   Links Upcoming Event: AI & National Security Great Decisions Discussion Groups Podcast Episode: Great Decisions Discussion Groups   This interview was recorded on April 21, 2025.

In January, Global Minnesota hosted our most popular event, the annual U.S. Foreign Policy Update. Over 600 people registered to attend this dynamic and insightful discussion providing a comprehensive overview of global developments and trends. The evening featured an in-depth presentation from University of Minnesota – Duluth Diplomat in Residence and career Foreign Service Officer Tom Hanson. His diplomatic postings included East Germany, France, Norway, the Soviet Union, Sweden, and the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. The full event recording is available as a special Global Minnesota member benefit now, and will be released to the public at a later date. This episode is a follow-up conversation with Tom featuring questions that were submitted during the event. We've compiled a wide-ranging sample of the questions to hear more of Tom's unique insights into the major trends impacting American foreign policy in the year ahead.   Links Podcast Episode: Great Decisions Discussion Groups Great Decisions Discussion Groups 2025 Briefing Books Transcript: Secretary of State Rubio Interview

With elections wrapping up all over the world in 2024, what major changes can we expect in U.S. policy and international megatrends for 2025 and beyond? Listen to the recording of our 2024 Global Business Outlook, featuring a discussion on global megatrends by Dr. John Pournoor, CEO of Government Analytica. Additional speakers included: Madeleine Féquière, Consul General, Consulate General of Canada in Chicago Matt Varilek, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Peter Frosch, CEO of GREATER MSP Christina Selander Bouzouina, President, Minnesota Consular Corps Ujvara Fetoshi, AI and Data Analytics Lead, New Boundary Technologies Sam Hsu, Executive Vice President - Strategic Planning, Ecolab Hear what each of these thought leaders has to say about their vision for 2025 and what matters to business.

In December, Global Minnesota's sold out Global Business Outlook event highlighted key international megatrends shaping the global economy from local expert John Pournoor. On the latest episode of The Global Minnesota Podcast, hear a follow-up conversation with John featuring questions that were submitted during the event. John provides even more unique insights into the major trends impacting international business in 2025 any beyond.   Links Event Recording: Global Business Outlook Government Analytica 2025 Megatrends Report

Looking to take your career global? Perhaps you're a recent grad or a mid-career professional seeking to develop meaningful international connections while living and working abroad. Navigating the numerous options for international careers in the U.S. government can be both exciting and overwhelming. To help simplify the process, Global Minnesota assembled an expert panel of federal government professionals to provide insights and advice. Hear representatives from the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Commercial Service, and the U.S. Agency for International Development as they share exciting new opportunities and hiring tracks, including what skills might benefit you and how to get started. Whether you're a student, a career-switcher, or simply a curious individual, this webinar recording is the first stop on your journey to an international career of purpose.

Climate-driven changes are impacting people, businesses, and landscapes--on a global scale. While attention has been placed on reducing the severity of climate change—impacts due to these changes are increasingly observed, increasingly costly, and well-documented. Aging built environments and infrastructure may not have been sized for the new realities and/or not easily adapted for future conditions. How must we respond? What actions can we take to better protect people and property to promote climate resilience? What can we learn from our international partners coping with similar changes and challenges? Minnesota companies like Barr Engineering Co. regularly help clients understand their vulnerabilities to these risks and develop resilience strategies for their long-term success. Hear this Sustainable Development Goals Roundtable: Strategies for a Climate-Resilient World. In addition to insights and case studies from Barr Engineering Co., you'll hear from other Minnesota companies learning to pivot in a changing world. Corporate Member Resources: Open the link to see how Global Minnesota corporate members offer expertise, services, or technology that can help with your organization's sustainability goals.

Are you looking for a career with global travel opportunities and mission to help improve lives all around the world? On November 18, Global Minnesota will be hosting a free webinar on navigating international career opportunities in the U.S. Government. In this event, you'll hear insights and advice from an expert panel featuring representatives from the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Commercial Service, and the U.S. Agency for International Development. They will share exciting new opportunities and hiring tracks, including what skills might benefit you and how to get started. This free webinar is open to everyone and you can register right now at this link: Register Here On this episode of The Global Minnesota Podcast, hear from one of the panelists for this event, Penelope Thomas. She serves as the Development Diplomat in Residence for USAID. Her overseas assignments include Bangladesh, Barbados, Colombia, The Dominican Republic, Egypt, Guyana, Jamaica, Mali, Nigeria, and Pakistan. She is also a graduate of St. Olaf College in French and Spanish. And if that wasn't interesting enough, she is an accomplished singer and was a member of the renowned Gospel group called The Sounds of Blackness, and was once a backup singer for Prince when he recorded the soundtrack for the 1989 film Batman. She provides a sneak peak of the upcoming webinar and provides more insight into her fascinating life and work.   Links International Careers Webinar Past Podcast Episode Featuring State Department Webinar Panelist Presidential Management Fellows Program Payne Fellowship Program USAID Careers USA Jobs Website Prince - Batdance Music Video

South Korea is a leading global economy and close ally of the United States. Even with its status and the explosion of cultural touchpoints like K-Pop, South Korea's history and politics are still relatively unknown to many in the United States. With rising tensions throughout the Asia-Pacific region, what will the U.S.-Korea partnership look like over the next few years? Hear a presentation from Global Minnesota and the Korea Economic Institute featuring representatives from both the U.S. State Department and the Korean Embassy. They shared important context about the strategic relationship between the United States and South Korea, the ongoing tension on the Korean peninsula, and the outlook for Korea's economic, political, and cultural influence globally.

Global Minnesota's Great Decisions program features grassroots discussion groups where people from all over the state get together in their communities to talk about the big foreign policy issues of our time. Groups are made up of all different backgrounds including community organizations, church groups, universities, and even groups of friends who want to learn more about complex international issues. On today's episode, hear from a Great Decisions expert speaker, Christi Siver, and a local Great Decisions group leader Renee Brown-Goodell. They have joined to talk about their roles in the Great Decisions program, the process for joining or starting a group, and how these groups foster international learning across the state.

As a major player in global affairs, Germany has a critical role in steering the transatlantic relationship. Earlier this summer, Global Minnesota partnered on an event with the Germanic-American Institute and the Bertelsmann Foundation to discuss the U.S.-German relationship. The event featured remarks from Irene Braam, Executive Director of the Bertelsmann Foundation, and Rainer Breul, who serves as the Head of Political Affairs at the German Embassy in Washington, D.C. On this episode, hear from by Rainer Breul, who started in his position at the Germany Embassy back in July 2023. He shared more about his background, the connections between Germany and Minnesota, and the essential importance of the U.S.-German relationship.   Links Germany Embassy in Washington, D.C. Department of State Office of Sub-National Diplomacy

With nearly 1.5 billion people, Africa has a young, rapidly rising population, coupled with an abundance of natural resources, access to key minerals for the green economy and a growing importance in the geopolitical balance of power. Hear from the Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs, Molly Phee, as she discusses U.S. policy toward this vital region. Assistant Secretary Phee brings a wealth of experience to her understanding of this vast and diverse continent, comprising over 50 countries and numerous cultures, languages and geographies. She outlines the current approach to U.S.-Africa relations and share her experiences building bridges of understanding and economic prosperity with people across Africa. Minnesota's significant and vibrant African diaspora add to the importance and relevance of understanding this crucial relationship.

Global Minnesota's Classroom Connection program inspires our littlest learners with fun and interactive lessons about a country's culture, language, and daily life. International volunteers from all over the world go to elementary and middle school classrooms to spark global curiosity about people from other countries. Global Minnesota recently expanded this program to Mankato, Minnesota, further increasing our reach across the state. On this episode, we are joined by Angie Davis, a kindergarten teacher with Washington Elementary School in Mankato, Nowrin Koly, a Classroom Connection volunteer from Bangladesh, and Madeline Wildeson, Assistant Director for Retention at the Kearney International Center at MSU Mankato. They participated in our pilot program to expand Classroom Connection to Mankato and have joined to talk about their background and experiences with the program.   Links Classroom Connection Program

As part of Global Minnesota's K-12 Education Programs, Academic WorldQuest engages the next generation of global leaders, preparing them to thrive in and actively shape their globally connected future. Students are challenged to think about the global and local implications of international events by answering a series of multiple choice questions on a variety of foreign affairs topics. They are inspired to continue applying this knowledge and passion as they go forward in the world. Global Minnesota held the statewide Academic WorldQuest competition this past March at the Mall of America, where the team from Mounds View High School won the championship. On this episode, hear from John, Alicia, Jaiesh, and Josiah, of the winning Mounds View team. They recently returned from the national competition in Washington, D.C. and talked about Academic WorldQuest, their trip to D.C., and how this competition helps prepare them to live in an increasingly global world.   Links Academic WorldQuest 2024 Competition Press Release

Global Minnesota offers a wide-range of programs in our mission to advance international understanding and engagement in Minnesota. Our efforts include major public events with international dignitaries, grassroots foreign policy discussion groups, K-12 education programs, international student outreach, and international Professional Exchanges. Overseeing all of these various programs is Global Minnesota's Program Director. On this episode, hear from Erin Hart, who started as Global Minnesota's Program Director back in January. Her career spans several tours as a Foreign Service Officer, as well as leadership positions at several nonprofit organizations in Minnesota. She joined to talk about her experiences, the various programs under her supervision, and what to expect from Global Minnesota throughout this year. Links Erin Hart in Oman (Beginning at 1:17) Kabul City Initiative Global Minnesota Events Professional Exchanges Discussion Groups K-12 Education Programs

The world seems to be entering a renewed period of global instability. From ongoing and emerging conflicts around the world to the evolving dynamics of great power competition, how can we navigate a course through some of the most pressing issues facing the international community today? Hear an enlightening presentation featuring Fiona Hill, former presidential advisor on Europe and Russia and Brookings Institution Fellow, as she delves into the intricacies of today's foreign policy landscape. Drawing from her extensive experience and insightful analysis, Hill offers a valuable overview of the dynamic nature of international relations, highlighting the interconnectedness of global events and the implications for U.S. foreign policy.

Ambassador Andrei Sannikov might be most well-known for his vocal criticism of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, but the exiled politician is also an accomplished author, human rights advocate, and negotiator. As a former Deputy Foreign Minister of Belarus, what insights can he provide on the strategic alliance between Belarus and Europe? Hear a special presentation from Ambassador Sannikov, where he explores the complicated and tight-knit relationship between President Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and what their relationship means for the greater question of security in Eastern Europe and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The State Department has a growing number of career tracks and entry points for a variety of professionals. Diplomats in Residence are available to answer questions and share insight with those interested in joining the State Department. On this podcast episode, hear from the Diplomat in Residence for the Midwest region, Susan Falatko. She talks about her time in the foreign service, the Diplomat in Residence program, and how to get a job in the Foreign or Civil Service. Links State Department Careers Talent Network Sign Up

The world's water challenges seem to be getting worse. Water scarcity has become acute in some parts of the world, while floods and storm surges occur with greater frequency in others. Businesses are watching closely to make sure their own water needs are met sustainably. Even the Land of 10,000 lakes has had challenges with overuse of groundwater in recent dry years. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are designed to tackle some of the world's largest development problems, so what can we learn from best practices for sustainable water use around the globe? What can international companies tell us about how and where they're implementing potential solutions? Hear the recording of our Sustainable Development Goals Roundtable from March 21. We partnered with Global Minnesota Corporate Member Cargill to learn about the work companies are doing to advance sustainable water use. Keynote Speaker Heather Tansey, Vice President of Environmental Sustainability, Cargill Additional Speakers Martin Bureau, VP Innovation & Head of PFAS Centre of Excellence, Altra Sanexen Anna Picchetti, Vice President of Marketing and Strategy, Uponor North America

On January 31, Global Minnesota hosted our popular annual event, the U.S. Foreign Policy Update. In this event, Diplomat in Residence and retired career Foreign Service Officer Tom Hanson discussed the latest foreign policy developments, trends, and challenges facing the U.S. this year. His insightful and wide-ranging discussion included topics like the repercussions from the ongoing war in Ukraine, concerns facing China's economy, renewed conflicts in the Middle East, and ongoing global struggles for peace and security. This episode is a follow-up conversation with Tom Hanson featuring questions that were submitted during the event. We received numerous questions for this special Q&A episode and have compiled a wide-ranging sample so we can hear more of Tom Hanson's unique analysis on all things foreign policy. Links Event Recording: 2024 U.S. Foreign Policy Update Global Minnesota Membership

Hear the insightful and popular annual U.S. Foreign Policy Update with Diplomat in Residence and career Foreign Service Officer, Tom Hanson. Tom explored and discussed the latest foreign policy developments, trends, and challenges facing the U.S. in the year ahead including the repercussions from the ongoing war in Ukraine, concerns facing China's economy, renewed conflict in the Middle East, and ongoing global struggles for peace and security.

In 2022, Global Minnesota was delighted to host Fellows from the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) to Minnesota as part of our Professional Exchanges Program. The YLAI program gathers emerging leaders from all across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada to advance their entrepreneurial ideas and effectively contribute to social and economic development in their communities. One such visitor was Luis Villaherrera, who is fighting for democracy and human rights in El Salvador. In 2017, he co-founded TRACODA, which stands for transparency, social control, and open data, to create innovative projects that focus on technological tools to combat corruption and foster democracy. After the government banned his platform, he founded The Center for Democratic Strengthening. As part of this incredible work, he recently won a prestigious Obama Foundation Scholars award and hopes to use the program help build grassroots movements, deliver messages to a broader audience, and push for accountability in government throughout Central America and beyond. He joined the podcast to talk about his Minnesota experience with the YLAI program, his recent Obama Scholars award, and the important work he is doing to advance government accountability in Central America.   Links YLAI Program Obama Scholars Program Global Minnesota Professional Exchanges Upcoming Event: Global Social with YLAI Fellows TRACODA The Daily: El Salvador The Little Prince Global Minnesota Gala  

Global Minnesota's Professional Exchanges program brings the world to Minnesota by connecting international visitors from all over the globe with their professional counterparts throughout the state. One of the most important organizations that helps facilitate this process is called Global Ties U.S. On this episode, hear from Katherine A. Brown, President & CEO of Global Ties U.S.  She joins to talk about the national Global Ties Network, their upcoming National Meeting and Advocacy Day in early March, Citizen Diplomacy Day on February 16, and how these professional exchange programs benefit communities throughout the United States and around the world. Links Global Minnesota Professional Exchanges Global Ties U.S. Global Ties Network Global Ties Community Impact Study Podcast Episode with Leorian Ricardo State Department Alumni Exchange Program Upcoming Event: Global Social with International Visitors

As Ukraine approaches the two-year anniversary of Russia's invasion, increasing attention is turning towards long-term strategies for the country's security, recovery, and rebuilding. Ukraine has begun accession negotiations with the European Union and a NATO Summit in 2024 will likely discuss Ukraine's future in this strategic alliance. Global Minnesota hosted a timely discussion of Ukraine's postwar outlook with two distinguished guests joining virtually: Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum and former Prime Minister of Ukraine and Oleksandra Matviichuk, Head of the Center for Civic Liberties and 2022 Nobel Prize Laureate. After their keynotes, the conversation continued with a panel of local human rights and Ukrainian experts.

This episode is a recording of a public event held on November 29. 2023 at the 3M Innovation Center. Our first ever Global Business Outlook explored the global business megatrends that can pose risks—or lead to growth opportunities for Minnesota companies. Leading the discussion on global megatrends was Dr. John Pournoor, CEO of Government Analytica. John's keynote focused on his annual 2024 Top 12 Global Megatrends. The keynote was followed by an elite panel of Global Minnesota Corporate Members. Representatives from leading multinationals shared their insights and recommendations on how companies can pivot from risk to opportunity.

We all plan ahead. Companies and organizations set sustainability goals with a combination of short-term and long-term targets. But what about very long-term goals? The United Nations SDG goals reach out to the year 2050 and beyond. What does the road look like-- and what tools are available-- for such long-range thinking and planning? And how do we set a course that is not only sustainable but restorative? Watch or listen to our Sustainable Development Goals Roundtable event recording featuring nationally recognized futurist Trista Harris. Trista is the president of FutureGood, a consultancy that helps visionary leaders build a better future. She speaks internationally about using the tools of futurism in the social sector.

Classroom Connection is part of Global Minnesota's K-12 Education programs and brings the world to classrooms all over Minnesota. International visitors, many of whom are students at local universities, teach sessions on their country's culture and language in a fun and interactive format that sparks the curiosity of our youngest learners. These lessons are unique to each class and can be conducted either virtually or in-person. There is no fee to participate and Global Minnesota staff handle all of the logistics for visitor placement and travel. Marzia Saleem is one of this year's Humphrey Fellows and volunteered at Anne Sullivan Elementary School in the 1st grade classes of Whitney Newbauer and Amanda Davey. Marzia, Whitney, and Amanda joined to talk about their experiences in Minnesota and with the Classroom Connection program.   Links Classroom Connection Program Humphrey Fellow Marzia Saleem

Earlier this year, Global Minnesota had the honor of welcoming the former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Algeria, and Bahrain, Ronald Neumann, for an in-depth public conversation about the critical need to modernize the State Department. He provided a comprehensive summary of ways in which we can better support our diplomats abroad, and the implications of this important work here at home. You can catch that recording here. On this episode, hear Ambassador Neumann continue the conversation about his diplomatic career, careers in the foreign service, and a behind-the-scenes look at life as an Ambassador.   Links Event Recording: Modernizing America's Diplomacy Ambassador Neumann Bio American Academy of Diplomacy America's Other Army (Book) American Diplomat (Podcast) The General and the Ambassador (Podcast)

Earlier this year, Global Minnesota had the honor of welcoming the former U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus, Kathleen Doherty, for an in-depth public conversation about the unique situation of this divided Mediterranean island. She provided an excellent summary of the static conflict in this region and what it means for all of us here at home, as well as the wider world abroad. You can catch that recording here. On this episode, hear Ambassador Doherty continue the conversation about her diplomatic career, careers in the foreign service, and a behind-the-scenes look at life as an Ambassador.   Links Event Recording: Cyprus in Context Ambassador Doherty Bio

On this episode, hear from one of last year's YLAI Fellows who recently returned to Minnesota to showcase his new projects as part of the State Department's Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund. Leorian Ricardo is Creative Director at Moro Studio, an arts and publishing studio that is leading the development of the comic book industry and providing professional opportunities for young talent and new, underrepresented voices in the Dominican Republic. He shared his comic book workshops called "Be the Superhero of Your Own Story" at local schools including Gideon Pond Elementary, Nova Classical Academy, and Risen Christ Catholic School and spoke with next generation creators at the Minneapolis College of Art & Design. He was also featured at our recent Global Social with international visitors on October 5th.   Links Global Minnesota Professional Exchanges YLAI Program CDAF Fellowship Moro Studio Website

While the State Department's footprint has grown from 41 diplomatic posts throughout the world in 1900 to more than 270 missions today, the need to increase the ability to hire and retain the highest quality individuals continues. In a dynamic and significantly connected world, what does our nation need from those representing us on the diplomatic front? How can the diplomatic corps be prepared for future opportunities and unexpected disruptions?  On October 30, 2023, Global Minnesota hosted a conversation with Ambassador and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Ronald Neumann about his recommendations to modernize America's diplomacy. In this event recording, Ambassador Neumann shared his personal insights and provide a behind-the-scenes look at diplomacy from his long career representing the United States.

In 1960, Cyprus became independent from the United Kingdom, but its early years were marked by violence between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. The United Nations established a buffer zone in 1964 to diffuse rising tensions. Ten years later, after a Greece-sponsored coup in Cyprus, Turkey sent thousands of troops to the island, citing its right as a guarantor power to do so. Nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots living in the northern part of the island were forced or fled to the south; 60,000 Turkish Cypriots living in the south did the same to the north. The island and the capital city of Nicosia have been divided since then, despite international attempts to reunify Cyprus. U.N. troops remain to protect the peace, but periodic flare-ups of violence have occurred as recently as August 2023. Hear a conversation with former U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus, Kathleen Doherty.   Ambassador Doherty outlines the current status of the Cyprus issue, the obstacles to establishing a permanent solution, and how diplomacy can play a critical role in mediating these tensions.    

Global Minnesota is launching the inaugural event in a new annual event series designed to provide a snapshot of international business megatrends and insights for Minnesota companies in search of strategies in response. The Global Business Outlook promises to be the premier event for tracking and adapting to global business megatrends and for understanding the risks and opportunities they present. The event will include a keynote presentation about business megatrends, a panel of major Minnesota multinational corporations, and networking with over 100 Minnesota business professionals. Confirmed guests include leadership officials from the US Commercial Service, Greater MSP, the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Consular Corps. On this episode, hear from the keynote speaker for the Global Business Outlook, John Pournoor, CEO and founder of Government Analytica. His has 35 years of experience working at the intersection of governments and industry. Most recently, he was the VP of Government Affairs for a Fortune 100 multinational, where he engaged policymakers at the federal level, in 29 states and in 37 countries. He has served on numerous boards and has been appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to the Minnesota District Export Council. John launched Government Analytica out of a passion to unlock the public value of government proposals to inspire policymakers to improve lives. He helps his clients shape the conversation through thought leadership content. He unlocks the policymaker impasse by using his company's access to data and analytics to show the public value and the greater good of these proposals. Government Analytica has helped companies, advocates, associations, coalitions, commissions, and councils to unlock the public value behind their proposals and receive or save millions of dollars. He is a tireless advocate and volunteer for community-based organizations, including Global Minnesota. He divides his time between Washington DC and Minnesota. Links Event Page: Global Business Outlook Government Analytica Global Minnesota Corporate Membership

In October, some of Global Minnesota's staff will be participating in the International Strategic Crisis Negotiation Exercise (also known as ISCNE) at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. This is a diplomacy simulation designed to help college students learn about the negotiation process. To help the students prepare and to bring the discussion of critical issues to all Minnesotans, Global Minnesota will host two free public events featuring former U.S. Ambassadors. The first will include former Ambassador to Cyprus, Kathleen Doherty, on October 19, while the second will feature former Ambassador and Deputy Assistance Secretary of State Ron Neumann on October 30. On this episode, hear from the local organizer for the ISCNE event, retired U.S. Navy Commander Jon Olson and Diplomat-in-Residence for the University of Minnesota – Duluth Tom Hanson. They've provide an exclusive preview of these two upcoming diplomacy events, the situation in Cyprus, and how Global Minnesota and the ISNCE program inform and engage the next generation of leaders.

This past month, an incredible group of emerging professionals from countries across Africa visited Minnesota as part of the Mandela Washington Fellowship program. On this episode, hear from two of these Fellows, Marcellin Tsihoboto and Sylvia Phaphali Adzitey about their professional careers, their time in Minnesota, and the insights they will take back to their home countries.

On the latest episode of The Global Minnesota Podcast, hear from Elizabeth Horst and Kin Moy, two Senior Foreign Service Officers at the U.S. Department of State who are both originally from Minnesota. They discussed Minnesota's recent bid to host a World Expo, the role that organizations like Global Minnesota play in citizen diplomacy, and how American foreign policy affects us all right here in America's heartland. Special thanks to former Global Minnesota President Mark Ritchie and the entire Minnesota Expo 2027 Committee for their inspiring advocacy to bring the world to Minnesota. Though the 2027 Expo was awarded to Serbia, their incredible efforts have helped raise Minnesota's global profile.

As the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine from 2016-2019, Marie “Masha” Yovanovitch played a critical role in anti-corruption efforts and supporting Ukraine in the fight against Russia's invasion of Crimea and the Donbas region. Hear a discussion from Global Minnesota with Ambassador Yovanovitch at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Hear about her new memoir, her time in Ukraine and her long diplomatic career.

Global Minnesota recently launched a new virtual youth diplomacy program to connect Ukrainian and American high school students. In this program, students from Kyiv and Lviv, Ukraine are connecting with Edina High School students through online meetings and via social media platforms. On the latest episode of The Global Minnesota Podcast, hear from Edina High School teacher Lindsey Smaka and Andrii Ushytskyi from America House, Kyiv on how these young people have deepened their knowledge, empathy and understanding of one another during this difficult time in Ukraine. Global Minnesota will host a public event featuring the former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch on June 14. Hear a wide-ranging discussion with Ambassador Yovanovitch at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs starting at 6:00 PM. She will discuss her time in Ukraine, her diplomatic career, and will sign copies of her new memoir "Lessons from the Edge." Sign up here.

This episode features Marika Ollaranta and Helena Saren from Business Finland, which is dedicated to promoting Finland's international business ties. They will be part of a delegation of Finnish businesses and the Ambassador of Finland visiting Minnesota in May focused on helping Minnesota businesses learn decarbonization best practices. Interested in meeting this delegation in May? Contact Corporate Relations Officer Steve Riedel to find opportunities for global access and exposure to meet your company's Sustainable Development Goals.

How are journalists fighting institutional disinformation around the world? What tools are available to those threatened by censorship in places like Pakistan and Turkey? Hear these stories and more from this year's World Press Institute International Fellows! This recording is from a Global Journalism Spotlight event that took place on March 23, 2023 a the Minneapolis Central Library. Each journalist presented on the major issues facing their respective countries, as well as their experience covering these issues. A live Q&A session with Minnesota Public Radio's Nina Moini followed the panel presentation.

Hear the insightful and popular annual U.S. Foreign Policy Update with Diplomat in Residence and former career Foreign Service Officer, Tom Hanson. Tom explored and discussed the latest foreign policy developments, trends, and challenges facing the U.S. including a look at the impacts of Russia's war in Ukraine, increasing tensions between the U.S. and China, and movements to promote peace and human rights from Ethiopia to Iran. The event included a Q&A session with Tom, moderated by Molly Hayes Baril, Great Decisions speaker and former foreign affairs officer.

In a new series of audio conversations, Global Minnesota Marketing & Communications Manager Nick Hayen talks with some of the amazing people Global Minnesota connects with in our mission to advance international understanding and engagement. This episode features two World Press Institute International Fellows, Ms. Fauziyya Tukur, a senior journalist focusing on disinformation for the British Broadcasting Corporation from Abuja, Nigeria, and Mr. Saqib Tanveer, social media editor for the Independent Urdu newspaper based in Islamabad, Pakistan. The World Press Institute was established in 1961 to strengthen and promote the founding principles and best practices of journalism. Each year, WPI brings together 10 professional journalists from all over the world and immerses them in the governance, politics, business, media, journalistic ethics, and culture of the United States. While they journey across the United States, they learn about the roles and responsibilities of the U.S. media, while engaging in the life and times surrounding them. Global Minnesota and WPI will showcase all ten of these individuals at a free Global Journalism Spotlight event at 6:00PM on March 23 at the Minneapolis Central Library.

Ongoing drought conditions and a changing climate have culminated in agricultural disaster in the East African nation of Somalia. Millions are facing acute hunger insecurity and many are leaving Somalia for neighboring Kenya, seeking stability and improved conditions. Hear this conversation with Global Minnesota and Alight about the unfolding humanitarian crisis, the global response, and an update on Alight's work in both Somalia and Kenya. Our keynote speaker, Zeinab Aidid, is a Communications Specialist for Alight's Horn of Africa programs. After her presentation, Great Decisions speaker and MINN Board Member Emily Miller led a moderated Q&A session.

On this episode, we are offering a sneak peek into an upcoming event from Global Minnesota. On February 28, we will host a virtual webinar in partnership with the Minnesota-based relief agency Alight. Alight works to build a meaningful life for and with people displaced throughout the world and everywhere the need arises. In this podcast interview, Nick is joined by Zeinab Aidid, who currently works for Alight as the Communications Specialist for the Horn of Africa.  She is one of Alight's on-the-ground partners working to coordinate relief efforts and discussed the current humanitarian situation in Somalia, and Alight's work to bring supplies, support, and dignity to displaced persons throughout the Horn of Africa. To hear the whole story on February 28, sign up for the virtual event here.   Links Global Conversations: Responding to the Humanitarian Crisis in Somalia Alight

In a new series of audio conversations, Global Minnesota Marketing & Communications Manager Nick Hayen talks with some of the amazing people Global Minnesota connects with in our mission to advance international understanding and engagement. In this podcast interview, Nick is joined by Alejandro Pavón, an international student from Honduras who recently finished a study abroad at the University of St. Thomas. As part of the Classroom Connection program, he taught lessons about Honduras' language and culture to Agustina Borre's English learner's class at Roseville Area High School. They both joined to talk about their experiences with the Classroom Connection program.

This episode is a recording of a public event featuring Under Secretary of State Uzra Zeya, whom Global Minnesota had the distinct honor of welcoming to Minnesota. While here, she met with students seeking Foreign Service careers and shared her profound insights at a public conversation on democracy and human rights.

In a new series of audio conversations, Global Minnesota Marketing & Communications Manager Nick Hayen talks with some of the amazing people Global Minnesota connects with in our mission to advance international understanding and engagement. In this first podcast interview, Nick is joined by Yigit Ates, Director of Commodity Exchanges at the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye. Mr. Ates recently visited Minnesota as part of the U.S. State Department's International Visitor Leadership Program.

In his latest book, The Cubans: Ordinary Lives in Extraordinary Times, world-renowned author and former New York Times foreign correspondent Anthony DePalma chronicles several stories of hope and despair from throughout the modern history of this Caribbean island nation. Global Minnesota hosted DePalma at the Hennepin County Library for a presentation and discussion about Cuba, his life, and the stories told throughout the book.

World Food Day 2022 - part 2

World Food Day 2022 part 1

2022-10-04 Lunch & Learn Behind the Scenes at the UK Natural History