Global Minnesota

The Arctic is a critical crossroads for a number of geopolitical priorities today, including international security, climate change, and economic competition. Together with the recent changes to the U.S. position on Greenland in the Kingdom of Denmark, the Arctic is and will remain an important topic in international affairs in 2026 and beyond.   Global Minnesota hosted a webinar and discussion on...

From trade and agriculture to immigration and global power, South Africa is an excellent point of entry to explore broader U.S. foreign policy issues. Anne Linnee, former U.S. Consul General in Durban, South Africa presented at a recent event about how bilateral relations between the U.S. and South Africa are illustrative of wider regional trends. Listen to the event recording in our latest podcas...

Shaped by overlapping histories and evolving geopolitical dynamics, the Kashmir conflict remains one of the most longstanding territorial disputes in the world. From the legacy of the 1947 partition to ongoing tensions along the Line of Control, Kashmir is an enduring point of regional and international concern. Following flare-ups in April and May of 2025, the international community is called to...

Global Minnesota’s Corporate Engagement program provides global access, information, and brand exposure for Minnesota companies of all sizes. We work to raise Minnesota’s global profile, helping companies expand economic partnerships, strengthen cross-border relationships, and prepare for the future of international commerce. At the state government level, the Minnesota Department of Employment an...

Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in Europe, Global Minnesota was honored to welcome Balázs Mártonffy, Consul General of Hungary in Chicago, for a public conversation at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. The event, moderated by Global Minnesota Program Director and former U.S. Foreign Service Officer Erin Hart, offered an in-depth exploration of Hungary’s evolving role in world affairs and...

Earlier this month, Global Minnesota welcomed a delegation of emerging African leaders for a professional exchange focused on the economic impact of arts and culture. From exploring Lanesboro’s vibrant arts scene to engaging with cultural institutions in the Twin Cities, the group saw firsthand how creative industries can drive local revitalization. In this episode, hear from two participants: Les...

Diplomacy isn’t just a career path, it’s a skill we can use in everyday life. That’s what Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat emphasized during Global Minnesota’s wide-ranging webinar discussion around his new book “The Art of Diplomacy,” available at local bookseller Magers and Quinn. Tapping into decades of experience and dozens of high-level interviews with diplomats, Ambassador Eizenstat provided insi...

This episode is a recording of a public event held on Thursday, April 24 at the Hennepin County Library in downtown Minneapolis. For the first time since COVID, Global Minnesota hosted our Great Decisions foreign policy conference on the topic India's Rising Influence. The event offered critical context on an important region of the world just as tensions flared once again between India and its ne...

This episode is a recording of a public event held on Thursday, April 24 at the Hennepin County Library in downtown Minneapolis. For the first time since COVID, Global Minnesota hosted our Great Decisions foreign policy conference on the topic India's Rising Influence. The event offered critical context on an important region of the world just as tensions flared once again between India and its ne...

This episode is a recording of a public event held on Thursday, April 24 at the Hennepin County Library in downtown Minneapolis. For the first time since COVID, Global Minnesota hosted our Great Decisions foreign policy conference on the topic India's Rising Influence. The event offered critical context on an important region of the world just as tensions flared once again between India and its ne...

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...

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. Hi...

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 Cana...

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 int...

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 pr...

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 conditio...

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...

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'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 i...

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 serve...

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...

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...

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 i...

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 M...

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 Br...