Urban Expedition: Indonesia
2020-03-08 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W, St. Paul, MN, 55102
Explore the globe with the 2020 season of Landmark Center’s Urban Expedition! Designed for everyone to enjoy, Urban Expedition offers the opportunity to learn about the world right in St. Paul. With a focus on a different destination, each program in the series provides authentic cultural experiences that include music, dance, crafts, and traditions. It’s an ideal event for families or anyone wanting to experience a new culture.
Join Landmark Center and Global Minnesota as we travel to Indonesia in March.
Urban Expedition events are free and open to the public. No registration is needed.
Urban Expedition is produced by Landmark Center with sponsorship from Global Minnesota and Ramsey County, Travelers, Ecolab, Xcel Energy Foundation, Lillian Wright and C. Emil Berglund Foundation, RBC Wealth Management, and Minnesota Parent.
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Global Conversations ST. PAUL: Women Warriors
2020-03-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W, St. Paul, MN, 55102
From Vikings and African queens to cross-dressing military doctors and World War II Russian fighter pilots, there are incredible stories of women for whom battle was not a metaphor. The woman warrior has been cast as an anomaly — Joan of Arc, not GI Jane. But women, it turns out, have always gone to war.
Join us for a conversation with author Pamela D. Toler as she discusses her new book, “Women Warriors: An Unexpected History,” and highlights the many women throughout world history who stepped out of their traditional female roles to take on other identities. The program will include a Q&A session with Pamela.
About the Speaker
Armed with a Ph.D. in history, a well-thumbed deck of library cards, and a large bump of curiosity, author, speaker, and historian, Pamela D. Toler translates history for a popular audience. She goes beyond the familiar boundaries of American history to tell stories from other parts of the world as well as history from the other side of the battlefield, the gender line, or the color bar. Pamela is the author of eight books of popular history for children and adults. Her work has appeared in Aramco World, Calliope, History Channel Magazine, MHQ: The Quarterly Journal of Military History and Time.com.
Global Conversations in St. Paul is presented in partnership with Landmark Center.

Global Conversations MINNEAPOLIS: Women Warriors
2020-03-11 18:00 - 19:30 | Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55401, United States
From Vikings and African queens to cross-dressing military doctors and World War II Russian fighter pilots, there are incredible stories of women for whom battle was not a metaphor. The woman warrior has been cast as an anomaly — Joan of Arc, not GI Jane. But women, it turns out, have always gone to war.
Join us for a conversation with author Pamela D. Toler as she discusses her new book, “Women Warriors: An Unexpected History,” and highlights the many women throughout world history who stepped out of their traditional female roles to take on other identities. Also attending the event will be Minnesota National Guard Lt. Col. Kristen Augé from Two Harbors, Minnesota, who will introduce Pamela. The program will include a Q&A session.
Following the program, Pamela will sign copies of her book “Women Warriors: An Unexpected History,” which can be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound, and will be available for purchase at the event through Magers & Quinn Booksellers.
About the Speaker
Armed with a Ph.D. in history, a well-thumbed deck of library cards, and a large bump of curiosity, author, speaker, and historian, Pamela D. Toler translates history for a popular audience. She goes beyond the familiar boundaries of American history to tell stories from other parts of the world as well as history from the other side of the battlefield, the gender line, or the color bar. Pamela is the author of eight books of popular history for children and adults. Her work has appeared in Aramco World, Calliope, History Channel Magazine, MHQ: The Quarterly Journal of Military History and Time.com.
Global Conversations in Minneapolis is presented in partnership with the Friends of the Minneapolis Central Library and Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central.

Global Social with 2020 International Woman of Courage
2020-03-12 18:00 - 20:00 | KNOCK, Inc., 1307 Glenwood Ave., Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55405
For members and their guests only.
Global Minnesota is proud to host Susanna Liew from Malaysia, a recipient of the 2020 U.S. Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award.
Established in 2007, the annual U.S. Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award honors women around the globe who have exemplified exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for human rights, women’s equality, and social progress, often at great personal risk. This is the only U.S. Department of State award that pays tribute to emerging women leaders worldwide.
Join us at KNOCK, Inc. in Minneapolis for the opportunity to meet Susanna and learn about the change she is implementing across the globe.
The evening includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Parking lots are available on Glenwood Ave. (in front of KNOCK, Inc.) and around the corner on Girard Ave. N.
About Susanna
Following the February 2017 abduction of her husband, Christian pastor Raymond Koh, allegedly by state agents, Susanna Liew has fought on behalf of members of religious minorities who disappeared in Malaysia under similar circumstances or who faced persecution for their beliefs. Susanna actively pursued justice for her husband and others during the Malaysian Human Rights Commission’s (SUHAKAM) 2018-19 public inquiry into enforced disappearances and continues to push the government to investigate these cases and prosecute those responsible. Despite police harassment and death threats, she continues to advocate for her husband and others, not because of her faith or theirs, but because of their rights as Malaysians. Susanna and Raymond founded Hope Community in 2004, a nonprofit organization that works with the poor, needy, and marginalized. She previously served as a school principal and educator.
Presented in partnership with KNOCK, Inc.

Webinar: Building the Sustainable Development Goals into Your Mission
2020-03-26 08:00 - 09:00
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world’s best plan to build a better world for people and our planet by 2030. These goals recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, equality, and job opportunities while tackling climate change and working to preserve our ocean and forests.
Hear from Irena Zubcevic, Chief of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), about the support and capacity-building for the SDGs and their related thematic issues.

REGISTER

Webinar Login Details
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Webinar Q&A
To submit a question during the webinar, please type it into the “Chat” window on your screen and the presenters will address as time permits.
About the Speaker
With nearly 30 years of industry experience, Irena Zubcevic has worked as the Chief of the Intergovernmental Policy and Review Branch, Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development since April 2018 at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Prior to this appointment, she was the chief of the Ocean and Climate Branch Division for Sustainable Development at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs from 2016 to 2018.
Presented in partnership with the Corporate Volunteerism Council–Twin Cities (CVC-TC).

Global Conversations DIGITAL: Italy Today
2020-04-22 18:00 - 19:30
This event is moving to a digital format. Register below and join this important conversation. Program access information will be sent closer to the event date.
From climate change to the coronavirus and the international refugee crisis to economic globalization, Italy has emerged as a focal point for many of the modern world’s most challenging social and political forces. The ways in which Italian politics and society respond to these challenges will have effects that stretch far beyond the Italian Peninsula.
Join Alexander Stille, Professor of International Journalism at Columbia University and contributor to La Repubblica, for a discussion of Italy’s experience as a laboratory for contemporary populism, and what that might mean for the rest of Europe and the United States.
About the Speaker
Alexander Stille is a writer, journalist, and San Paolo Professor of International Journalism at Columbia University. He has worked as a contributor for numerous outlets including The New York Times, La Repubblica, The New Yorker magazine, The New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic Monthly, U.S. News & World Report, The Boston Globe, and The Toronto Globe and Mail. He is the author of several books including “Benevolence and Betrayal: Five Italian Jewish Families Under Fascism;” “Excellent Cadavers: The Mafia and the Death of the First Italian Republic;” and “The Sack of Rome: How a Beautiful European Country with a Fabled History and a Storied Culture Was Taken Over by a Man Named Silvio Berlusconi.” Alexander is the winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Award for best work of history, the San Francisco Chronicle Critics Choice Award, and the Alicia Patterson Foundation award for journalism. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Yale University and a master’s from Columbia.
Global Conversations is presented in partnership with the Friends of the Minneapolis Central Library, Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, Italian Cultural Center of Minneapolis/St. Paul, and Landmark Center.

Around the World Online Fundraiser and Auction
2020-04-24 17:00 - 2020-05-02 20:30
As we look at how best to keep our Global Minnesota community healthy, and based on CDC and Minnesota Health Department recommendations, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the in-person portion of our gala on May 2.
Although we will miss seeing you on May 2, we hope you will maintain your support for this critical event, which raises approximately $270,000 of our $1.5 million budget. Help Global Minnesota continue its mission to advance international understanding and engagement in Minnesota. In times of uncertainty like these, quality information and cross-cultural understanding are needed more than ever.
You can support the gala by giving a fully tax-deductible donation below and by bidding in our exciting Around the World Auction. What will YOU win? Many experiences await you when the world is back to dining out and traveling. We also have items perfect for your stay-at-home plans. There is something for everyone so be sure to register today. A complete list of auction items is available for viewing now!
Our focus country, Italy, is being especially devastated by the pandemic. We had hoped to celebrate Italy’s many wonderful contributions to the world together on May 2. Our thoughts, like yours, are with the people of Italy at this difficult time and we look forward to celebrating Italy appropriately when the time is right.
Register for the Auction
Bidding begins April 24 and ends at 8:30 pm on May 2!

Give a Gift to the Gala
Support the gala by giving a fully tax-deductible donation below.

Global Conversations DIGITAL: China's Road Into Latin America
2020-05-20 18:00 - 19:30
This event will be offered as a Zoom video webinar with the speaker. Register below and join this important conversation. Program access information will be sent closer to the event date.
As the Trump administration continues to withdraw from the world stage, China is looking to fill the void. How does Latin America fit into China’s “One Belt, One Road” plan? Should the U.S. be concerned about China’s growing “sphere of influence”?
Join a webinar conversation with Margaret Myers, Director of the Asia & Latin America Program at the Inter-American Dialogue, on the regional and global impact of China’s relationship with Latin America.
About the Speaker
Margaret Myers is the Director of the Asia & Latin America Program at the Inter-American Dialogue, where she has established the China and Latin America Working Group to examine China’s growing presence in Latin America and the Caribbean. Margaret has published numerous articles on Chinese leadership dynamics, international capital flows, Chinese agricultural policy, and Asia-Latin America relations. She has testified before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on the China-Latin America relationship and is regularly featured in major domestic and international media, including the Economist, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Folha de São Paulo, CNN en Español, CCTV, and Voice of America. Prior to joining the Dialogue, Margaret worked as a Latin America analyst and China analyst for the U.S. Department of Defense. She also worked as a senior China analyst for Science Applications International Corporation, a consultant for the Inter-American Development Bank, a faculty member at Georgetown University, and for Fauquier County Schools, where she developed the county’s first Mandarin language program. Margaret received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and conducted graduate work at The George Washington University, Zhejiang University of Technology, and the Johns Hopkins University/Nanjing University Center for Chinese-American Studies. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and was the recipient of a Freeman fellowship for China studies and a Fulbright Specialist grant to research China-Colombia relations in Bogotá.
Presented in partnership with the Edina Senior Center, Friends of the Edina Library, Friends of the Minneapolis Central Library, Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, Landmark Center, Plymouth Library, TeamWomen, and Washburn Library.

Refugee Voices: Syria
2020-06-18 11:00 - 12:00
According to the UNHCR (the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), there are more than 68.5 million people today who have been forcibly displaced from their homes by conflict. Some of these people have been displaced within their own countries and others have been forced to flee to other countries. Many hope to be able to return home as soon as possible, but the average length of displacement is between 20 and 30 years and some will never return to their country of origin. Despite the challenges, millions of refugees and displaced people work hard to overcome struggles, preserve their culture and identity, and rebuild their lives, often in new places.
Join us for NaTakallam’s Refugee Voices virtual series, as we hear from guest speaker and Syrian refugee Ghaith. The program will also include a Q&A session moderated by Mary Dalsin, Program Associate at GHR Foundation.
Originally from Hama, Syria, Ghaith left his home due to ongoing conflict in the region and now lives in Padua, Italy, where he studies Political Science and International Relations. Ghaith will share his personal story and provide insights into the lives of refugees and displaced individuals from the Middle East.
This program will be presented as a Zoom video webinar.
Presented in partnership with GHR Foundation and NaTakallam.

Race and Responsibility in the 21st Century - What We Can Learn From South Africa
2020-06-22 12:00 - 13:00
Is the U.S. ready for truth and reconciliation? If we are to seriously grapple, finally, with our history of racism, and the lingering effects of trauma and disadvantage, if we wish to build a better future for all of our citizens, we may have much to learn from the experience of South Africa.
Join Global Minnesota President Mark Ritchie for a discussion with The Honorable LaJune Lange, Honorary Consul of South Africa in Minnesota and former District Court Judge; and Zintle Koza, Director of International Organizations at the National Treasury, and former Humphrey Fellow, on how South Africa addressed these issues head on, and how we might apply the lessons they learned right here in Minnesota.
This event will be presented as a Zoom video webinar.

About the Speakers
LaJune Thomas Lange served a distinguished career as judge in the Fourth Judicial District of Minnesota. Known for her international expertise in law and human rights, LaJune is an Honorary Consul for the Republic of South Africa in Minnesota and a senior fellow and member of the Wilkins Forum at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs. She also teaches critical perspectives on race at the University of St. Thomas Law School, serves as president of the International Leadership Institute, which focuses on issues of civic education and relationship building between new immigrants and long-term community residents of Asian, African American, and Hispanic origin. She has shared her expertise with legal education programs for the Family Court of Morocco and the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe.
Zintle Koza is an international relations practitioner with more than 13 years in the South African civil service. She currently serves as the Director of International Organizations at the National Treasury responsible for South Africa’s continued engagement with and participation in the World Economic Forum, and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Previously, she served in the Foreign Service for 11 years and was responsible for portfolios that included the African Union and European Union.

Global Conversations DIGITAL: Women in Diplomacy
2020-06-24 18:00 - 19:30
This event will be offered as a Zoom video webinar with the speaker. Register below and join this important conversation. Program access information will be sent closer to the event date.
Many countries face challenges of migration, terrorism, climate change, and the spread of fast-paced technology. Those who are sitting around the table will change the course of history and redefine how we solve critical problems. Through interviews with female Ambassadors, Deputy Chiefs of Mission, and diplomats spanning Afghanistan, Albania, Australia, Croatia, Finland, Hungary, Iceland, Kosovo, Mexico, Namibia, Singapore, and the U.S., author Susan Sloan’s new book “A Seat at the Table: Women, Diplomacy, and Lessons for the World,” highlights the impact of gender-diversified leadership, and why varied voices lead to stronger resolutions and enhanced team dynamics.
Join us for a webinar as we talk with Susan to discuss her new book and examine how the role of women in the diplomatic corps is changing the world. The webinar will be moderated by Monica Cruz, Head of Community Affairs at the Consulate of Mexico in Saint Paul, and representative of the Institute of Mexicans Abroad for Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and western Wisconsin, leading the design and implementation of programs meant to increase equitable access and well-being in the Mexican diaspora.
Susan’s new book “A Seat at the Table: Women, Diplomacy, and Lessons for the World,” is available for purchase through Magers & Quinn Booksellers.
About the Speaker
Susan Sloan is the author of A Seat at the Table: Women, Diplomacy, and Lessons for the World. She is an Associate Regional Director for a global nonprofit advocacy organization in Washington, D.C. engaging with diplomats, government officials, community organizers, and international leaders. Susan has met with others from more than 60 countries through diplomacy, advocacy, and experiential education. Her interactive approach to communications and coalition-building has impacted groups around the world. At the age of 30, she completed a life goal of visiting all seven continents. Susan holds a master’s degree in global strategic communications from Georgetown University and graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a major in public relations and a minor in Spanish from the University of Georgia.
Presented in partnership with the Edina Senior Center, Friends of the Edina Library, French-American Chamber of Commerce Inc., Minnesota Chapter, Friends of the Minneapolis Central Library, Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, Landmark Center, Magers & Quinn Booksellers, Minneapolis Public Schools Community Education, Plymouth Library, TeamWomen, and Washburn Library.
Photo Credit: U.S. Department of State; Maria Bryk

Voces de Refugiados: Venezuela (Refugee Voices: Venezuela)
2020-06-25 11:00 - 12:00
This program will be presented in Spanish only as a Zoom video webinar, and is part of Global Minnesota’s partnership with NaTakallam Refugee Voices virtual series.
De acuerdo al Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Refugiados (ACNUR, en inglés UNHCR), actualmente hay más de 68.5 millones de personas que han sido desplazadas a la fuerza a causa de conflicto en sus países de origen. Algunas de estas personas han sido desplazadas dentro de su mismo país y otros se han visto obligados a emigrar a otros. Muchas de estas personas conservan la esperanza de volver a sus hogares lo más pronto posible, pero el tiempo promedio de desplazo y reubicación para un refugiado es de 20 a 30 años y muchos no logran volver a su país. A pesar de los retos, millones de refugiados y gente desplazada trabajan ardua y cotidianamente para preservar su cultura e identidad, y reconstruir su vidas en lugares nuevos para ellos.
Acompáñenos y a Natakallam Refugee Voices a escuchar de nuestra invitada Marianela, quien hablará de su experiencia como refugiada proveniente de Venezuela y su vida actual en Costa Rica.
Marianela, originaria de Maracaibo, vivía en Mérida, Venezuela, cuando decidió mudarse a San José, Costa Rica a causa de los conflictos en su país natal. Previamente, Marianela daba clases de español y era propietaria de una agencia de turismo de aventura. Ella disfruta viajar, conocer gente de diferentes países, hablar y aprender sobre su cultura e intereses, y disfruta de enseñar español via Skype. Marianela es también ecologista y una recicladora apasionada.
Después de su presentación, el programa concluirá con una sesión de Preguntas y Respuestas moderadas por el abogado Marcos Ramírez.
Presentado en colaboración con NaTakallam, LatinoLEAD, y Human Rights for Venezuela.

How U.S. Companies are Leveraging Thailand, Vietnam & the Philippines to Diversify Their Manufacturing and Supply Chain Needs Beyond China
2020-06-25 11:00 - 12:00
China’s slowing economy, rising labor costs, increased regulatory environment, and the U.S.-China trade tariffs have resulted in significant economic disruption in China and global markets. The outbreak of COVID-19 has further compounded this disruption and for many companies, highlighted the need to reduce their manufacturing and supply chain dependence on China.
Today, western companies operating in China are looking for new risk-diversification solutions for their manufacturing and supply chain footprints, and increasingly, many of these companies are choosing to expand into Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Whether a company is adopting a “China Plus One” strategy or relocating out of China, the driving motivations for establishing supply chain and operations in Asia are: dependable raw material and component suppliers, growth of corporate sales into Asia, labor cost reductions with a qualified work force, substantial tax incentives, and a desire to reduce dependence on China.
Join us for a webinar and panel discussion on the operational and legal issues to diversifying manufacturing and supply chain footprints by leveraging Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

REGISTER

Panelists
Mike Schoeb, Chief Executive Officer, Alliance Laundry System
(WI-based company with Thailand facility)
Mark Plum, Director, East West Associates
Former President of Briggs & Stratton Asia
Nelson Dong, Partner, Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Joan Steinmann, Assistant General Counsel, H.B. Fuller Company
(MN-based company in Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines)
Alex Bryant, President, East West Associates (Moderator)
In partnership with Dorsey & Whitney LLP. This program will be offered as a Zoom webinar.

The Future of the Environment with Dr. Sabine Engel
2020-07-01 - 2020-07-19
In a new series of video conversations, Global Minnesota President Mark Ritchie sits down with experts and leading thinkers working across a spectrum of global sectors to discuss timely and important international issues.
In his first video interview, Mark chats with Dr. Sabine Engel, Director of International Partnership at the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment (IonE), about the future of our environment and several renewable energy projects between the U.S. and Germany.
Watch below, or visit Global Minnesota’s YouTube channel.
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About Sabine Engel
Dr. Sabine Engel is Director for International Partnerships at the University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment, a multi-disciplinary research entity built on the principles of partnership and collaboration. She serves as principal investigator on two international renewable energy and climate projects that bring together a broad group of stakeholders from Germany and the U.S. Upper Midwest. Previously, Sabine was Program Director for Economic Development in the University of Minnesota’s Office of University Economic Development and directed the interdisciplinary DAAD Center for German & European Studies at the University of Minnesota. As director, she built unique Minnesota-Germany exchange programs on health policy, renewable energy policy, and workforce development. She holds a Ph.D. in English from Duke University and a master’s degree from the University of Hamburg.
This interview was recorded on May 18, 2020, and will be available for viewing on our Calendar of Events for several weeks. Registration is not needed for this program. Archived videos will be available on our YouTube channel.

Canada Day Celebration
2020-07-01 14:00 - 15:30
July 1, 2020, marks not only Canada Day, but also the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis.
As part of the day’s events, Global Minnesota will host an online “armchair discussion” webinar featuring prominent Minnesotans, each speaking about a different aspect of the Canada-Minnesota relationship.
Join Ariel Delouya, Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis, and Mark Ritchie, Global Minnesota President, as they host an online panel conversation covering arts and culture, the important economic ties between Minnesota and Canada, a focused look at the Minnesota-Canada border, and the cooperative measures to protect our shared environment, specifically related to trans-boundary water management and climate protection.
The program will also include a warm welcome message from The Honorable Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota.
Panelists
Laura Bishop, Commissioner, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
David J. Fraher, President Emeritus and Senior Advisor to the CEO/Arts Midwest
Gabrielle Gerbaud, Executive Director, Minnesota Trade Office
Bill Maddocks, Acting Chief Patrol Agent, U.S. Border Patrol
Presented in partnership with Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis.

Trivia for Canada Day
2020-07-01 17:30 - 18:30
Celebrate Canada Day and the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis with a friendly game of trivia!
Over a Zoom happy hour, join others online and try your hand at Canada-themed trivia covering pop culture to politics to geography…and everything in between.
And if you’re looking for the full happy hour experience, check out these Twin Cities restaurants that are serving up poutine or sip on a cold Canadian beer such as Flying Monkey, Hop City, Kokanee, Labatt, Lake of The Woods Brewing, Molson, Moosehead, or Unibroue, available at local liquor stores.
The program will also include some great Canadian swag as prizes for the top winners.
The trivia game will be played through Kahoot! For a better experience, download the app (App Store or Google Play) prior to the game or play online. Detailed instructions on how to play will be sent closer to the event.
Presented in partnership with the Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis.

Global Conversations DIGITAL: Artificial Intelligence and Data
2020-07-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Webinar, MN
This event will be offered as a Zoom video webinar with the speaker. Register below and join this important conversation. Program access information will be sent closer to the event date.
Policymakers in many countries are developing plans and funding research in artificial intelligence (AI). Global growth is slowing, and not surprisingly, many policymakers hope that AI will provide a magic solution. The EU, Brazil, and other Western countries have adopted regulations that grant users greater control over their data and require that firms using AI be transparent about how they use it.
Join a webinar conversation with former U.S. Foreign Service Officer Tom Hanson as he provides insight on the global impact of AI. The program will include a Q&A with Tom, moderated by Molly Hayes Baril, special advisor for global engagement at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
About the Speaker
Tom Hanson currently serves as Diplomat in Residence at the Alworth Institute for International Affairs at the University of Minnesota – Duluth. His U.S. Foreign Service postings included East Germany, France, Norway, the Soviet Union, Sweden, and the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. He also participated in the opening of new U.S. embassies in Mongolia and Estonia, worked on the Foreign Relations Committees of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and served as director for NATO and European Affairs at the Atlantic Council of the United States in Washington, D.C. A member of Global Minnesota’s Great Decisions advisory committee, Tom speaks frequently on international issues and contributes to local and international media. He is also a board member of the Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights, the International Leadership Program at the University of St. Thomas, and the Cultural Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Minnesota – Duluth. Tom holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and graduate degrees from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy; the Institute of Advanced International Studies in Switzerland; and the National School of Administration in France.
Presented in partnership with the Edina Senior Center, Friends of the Edina Library, French-American Chamber of Commerce Inc., Minnesota Chapter, Friends of the Minneapolis Central Library, Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, Landmark Center, Minneapolis Public Schools Community Education, Plymouth Library, and Washburn Library.

Global Citizenship: Whole World Sensibilities and Responsibilities in the Time of COVID-19
2020-07-30 10:00 - 11:30
Global citizenship and interconnectivity allow us to experience and impact the world in more expansive ways than ever before. However, with this new international reach comes responsibility for simultaneously caring for both our local communities and for others on the planet impacted by our actions or decisions. Given these new realities, how do we ensure our practices and solutions meet increasingly complex challenges at the local and planetary levels?
Join us for The Forum on Workplace Inclusion’s Diversity Insights webinar that will include specific examples of what it takes to develop critical practices that satisfy individual interests while keeping in mind the needs of current and future generations – here and everywhere.
REGISTER

Presenters: Mark Ritchie, Global Minnesota; Shawntera M. Hardy, PolicyGrounds Consulting; Khadija Ali, Global Language Connections
Cost: $30 suggested donation
This program will be presented as a Zoom webinar.
The Forum on Workplace Inclusion is a program of Augsburg University.

Minnesota and the UK - Trade, Market Access, and Brexit
2020-08-05 10:00 - 11:00
The United Kingdom (UK) and Minnesota have a long-standing and ongoing special relationship and play pivotal roles in each other’s economies. Minnesota exports nearly $600 million in goods and $1 billion in services to the UK annually. And the UK has invested heavily in Minnesota with more than 165 UK subsidiaries supporting nearly 20,000 jobs in the state.
Please join Global Minnesota, the Minnesota Trade Office, and the UK Government Office, Mpls/St. Paul for a Zoom webinar with the new British Consul General, Alan Gogbashian, and engage in discussions on market access, barriers, and free trade.
This event will be offered as a Zoom video webinar. Program access information will be sent closer to the event date.

Town Hall: Liberia-Minnesota Connections
2020-08-13 11:30 - 12:30
Minnesota is home to one of the largest Liberian populations in the country, with an estimated 30,000 people. There are many deep connections developing between Minnesota and Liberia through trade, sports, economic development, faith communities, family, and friends.
In partnership with the Liberian Honorary Consul in Minnesota Jackson George, join us for a Town Hall public forum for groups connecting Minnesota and Liberia to let others know about their company’s or organization’s activities, and their vision for the future.
This event will presented as a Zoom webinar and broadcast live on YouTube.
Presented in partnership with the Honorary Consulate of Liberia in Minnesota.

Learning from Sierra Leone: Fambul Tok and the Power of Forgiveness
2020-08-19 12:00 - 13:00
John Caulker, Founder and Executive Director of Fambul Tok, a peace-building NGO based in Sierra Leone, believes that true healing and reconciliation can only take place through a community-led process. Documentary filmmaker Sara Terry tells this amazing story in her award-winning film, Fambul Tok, where victims and perpetrators of Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war come together for the first time in an unprecedented program of tradition-based truth-telling and forgiveness ceremonies.
Through reviving their ancient practice of fambul tok (family talk), Sierra Leoneans are building sustainable peace at the grass-roots level. Filled with lessons for the West, the film explores the depths of a culture that believes true justice lies in redemption and healing for individuals and that forgiveness is the surest path to restoring dignity and building strong communities.
Join us for an inspiring discussion with John Caulker and Sara Terry on how Sierra Leone is advancing peace by mobilizing ordinary people in the hard work of reconciliation. The program will also feature special guest the First Lady of Sierra Leone Her Excellency Fatima Maada Bio.
Fambul Tok can be streamed online for free.
This event will be presented as a Zoom webinar.
About the Speakers
John Caulker is the Founder and Executive Director of Fambul Tok and has led the implementation of the Fambul Tok program since its inception in 2007. John became a human rights activist as a student leader during the initial years of the war in Sierra Leone. Risking his life to document wartime atrocities, he infiltrated rebel camps disguised as a rebel to gather information and stories to pass along to international organizations such as Amnesty International, Article 19, and Human Rights Watch. He founded Forum of Conscience as a human rights NGO in Sierra Leone in 1996. As Executive Director of Forum of Conscience, John strove to prevent recurring violence by connecting the root causes of Sierra Leone’s brutal conflict to the need for rural community participation in the national decision making process and acknowledgement of wrong doing to victims through the reparations program. As the national chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Working Group, John pressured the government of Sierra Leone to implement the recommendations of the TRC’s 2004 report.
Sara Terry is the Producer/Director of Fambul Tok, her first feature-length documentary. A former award-winning reporter for the Christian Science Monitor, Sara made a mid-career transition into photojournalism and documentary photography in the late 1990s. The focus of her work since has been post-conflict societies. Her long-term project about the aftermath of war in Bosnia — “Aftermath: Bosnia’s Long Road to Peace” — was published in September 2005 by Channel Photographics, and chosen as one of the best books of the year by Photo District News. Her work has been widely published and exhibited at such venues as the United Nations, Moving Walls/Open Society, the Museum of Photography in Antwerp, and the Leica Gallery in Solms, Germany. She is the founder of The Aftermath Project, a nonprofit grant program helping photographers cover the aftermath of conflict and building educational outreach and partnerships around the understanding that “war is only half the story.”
Presented in partnership with the Edina Senior Center, Friends of the Edina Library, Friends of the Minneapolis Central Library, Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, Landmark Center, Minneapolis Public Schools Community Education, Plymouth Library, and Washburn Library.

Success Stories from International Women Entrepreneurs
2020-08-27 12:00 - 13:00
From medicine to education to agriculture, women entrepreneurs across the globe are creating transformational experiences that drive innovation, design solutions, and bring ideas to life.
Tune in for an engaging conversation with international women entrepreneurs as they share their stories and experiences.
In partnership with World Learning and TeamWomen, we’ll hear from a panel of international women entrepreneurs from Argentina, India, Italy, Mexico, and Sierra Leone, who participated in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program and traveled to Minnesota for professional exchange opportunities over the past several years.
Panel Speakers

Megha Bhagat, Human Rights Lawyer, Co-Founder at Project DEFY and Executive Director at MUSE Inc. (India)
Paulina Perea Eguía, Co-Founder of Cervecería Olvera (Mexico)
Enrica Rosa Maria Arena, Co-Founder of Orange Fiber (Italy)
Donatela Orsi, Director of Economic Integration, City of Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Sofia Mohamed Konneh, Physical Trainer and Nutrition Advisor, (Sierra Leone)

The women will share social, economic, and political factors that influence and encourage women as entrepreneurs and business owners. They will also discuss leadership development, how they market their business, and grow their companies. The program will include a welcome by Susan B. Plimpton, Global Minnesota Honorary Board Director; and Patricia Harrison, Director of Global Programs at World Learning. The panel discussion will be moderated by Priya Morioka, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Global Language Connections.
This event will be presented as a Zoom webinar.

Red Penguins: Greed, Corruption, and Capitalism Run Amok in Post-Soviet Russia
2020-09-10 12:00 - 13:00
Red Penguins, the just-released film from award-winning director Gabe Polsky, tells the wild forgotten true story of capitalism and opportunism run amok in Moscow. Shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the famed Red Army hockey team formed a joint venture that redefined what was possible in the new Russia. Eccentric marketing whiz Steven Warshaw was sent to Moscow and tasked to transform the team into the greatest show in Russia, attracting some of the biggest names in Hollywood and advertising along the way.
Join a discussion to examine the lessons learned during this tumultuous era of oligarchs and corruption, and how they can help shape business, cultural, and political relations between the U.S. and Russia in the years ahead.
Panelists

Gabe Polsky, Filmmaker
Steven Warshaw, Film Protagonist, Professional Sports Marketer
Bernadine Joselyn, Director of Public Policy and Engagement, Blandin Foundation; Former U.S. Foreign Service Officer
Per Hong, Partner, Kearney, based in Moscow from 2010-2016
Nick Hayes, Russia Scholar/Commentator
Paula Ramaley (Moderator), Principal, PMR Consulting; Former Director, Fulbright Fund Moscow; Former Director, Siberian Bridges

We encourage you to view Red Penguins prior to the program. You can rent or buy the film on Amazon Prime, iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, or other streaming platforms or pay-TV operators.

Presented in partnership with the Committee on Foreign Relations Minnesota, Minnesota Trade Office, The Museum of Russian Art, Russian American Business and Culture Council, and Zerkalo – Russian Media of MN.

Opportunities for U.S. Businesses: Expo 2020 Dubai
2020-09-14 09:00 - 10:00
Dubai is a regional hub and a bridge to emerging markets for many American companies, allowing them to conduct business throughout the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia from a business-friendly, tech-forward economy.
Join experts and government representatives for a free webinar as they provide critical information for U.S. companies wanting to learn more about utilizing Expo 2020 Dubai to develop their business in the region.
REGISTER

Presented in partnership with Discover America, Expo 2020 Dubai UAE, U.S. Commercial Service, and U.S. Department of State

RESCHEDULED: Donald W. McCarthy Heartland Leadership Forum - Ethical Leadership and Public Service
2020-09-14 19:00 - 20:15 | Webinar, MN
Registration is now closed.
While COVID-19 has thwarted many event proceedings this year, we have some good news to report. With the safety of our attendees in mind, this year’s 4th Annual Donald W. McCarthy Heartland Leadership Forum will go on as a virtual event – because visionary leadership must never be sidelined. And here’s the best part: registration is now complimentary!
Join us to hear Admiral Mike Rogers (U.S. Navy, Retired), Former Commander of U.S. Cyber Command and Director of NSA. Under his leadership, the NSA underwent its largest reorganization in 20 years. He also led the creation of our nation’s Cyber Mission Force.

During his presentation, “Cyber Security in the Digital Age – What Leaders Need to Know,” Admiral Rogers will address how leadership can drive sound decision-making in our rapidly expanding digital world, including the opportunities and threats of the “Internet of Everything.”If you’re a leader in any sector (corporate, public, government), a student aspiring to lead, or a Naval Academy graduate, this public event is for you!

About the Speaker
Admiral Michael S. Rogers (Ret.) is a former United States Navy admiral who served as the second commander of the U.S. Cyber Command. He concurrently served as the 17th director of the National Security Agency and as chief of the Central Security Service. Prior to that, Rogers served as the Commander of the Tenth Fleet and Commander of the U.S. Fleet Cyber Command. During his tenure, he helped transform and elevate U.S. Cyber Command into a unified combatant command. He retired from active duty in the United States Navy on June 1, 2018
This event is produced by the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association Upper Midwest Chapter.

Global Conversations DIGITAL: Food Security and Foreign Policy
2020-09-16 12:00 - 13:00
It is often said that foreign policy is about connecting means with ends. With perhaps a few exceptions, most agree that the ultimate end of U.S. foreign policy should be a more prosperous, sustainable, and secure world. Yet today, food security around the globe remains a pressing challenge, especially in low-income, conflict-prone, and climate-affected areas.
Following decades of decline in hunger, the number of hungry people globally is once again rising – this trend made all the worse by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Patching up vulnerabilities in food systems remains paramount in ending hunger around the world and such trends pose challenges – some new, some old – to U.S. foreign policy.
Hear from a panel of experts as they explore U.S. food security and current gaps in policy, particularly as they relate to the effects of COVID-19.
Panelists

Asma Lateef, Director, Bread for the World Institute
Rob Paarlberg, Associate at Harvard University’s Weatherhead Center for International Affairs and Adjunct Professor at Harvard Kennedy School
Abigail Rockwell, Director, Office of Global Food Security, U.S. Department of State
Caitlin Welsh, Director, Global Food Security Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies
Moderator: Tina May, Chief of Staff to Land O’Lakes CEO Beth Ford

This event will be live-streamed on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/WgHDhkcydyY
Presented in partnership with the Edina Senior Center, Friends of the Edina Library, Friends of the Minneapolis Central Library, Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, Landmark Center, Minneapolis Public Schools Community Education, Plymouth Library, and Washburn Library.

What's New in the New NAFTA?
2020-09-18 09:30 - 10:30
On July 1, 2020, the United States – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA) officially replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as the basis for North American trade relationships. The USMCA contains modernized provisions to address intellectual property, digital trade, agricultural markets, and balanced manufacturing policy.
Join us for a virtual panel discussion on the USMCA, featuring officials from Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. Department of Commerce. Panelists will discuss the importance to Minnesota of North American trade relationships, as well as enhancements in the USMCA that can benefit Minnesota businesses across all sectors.
Panelists

Ariel Delouya, Consul General, Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis
Gerardo Guerrero, Consul, Consulate of Mexico in Saint Paul, MN
Catherine L. Muth, Director of the Iowa office of the U.S. Commercial Service

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Presented in partnership with the Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis, Consulate of Mexico in Saint Paul, Cozen O’Connor, and U.S. Commercial Service.

SDG Roundtable: Fall 2020
2020-09-25 11:00 - 12:00
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world’s best plan to build a better world for people and our planet by 2030. These goals recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, equality, and job opportunities while tackling climate change and working to preserve our ocean and forests.
Hear from Peg Thomas, Executive Director at the Sundance Family Foundation, and Tim Roman, Co-Founder & CEO of Ecotone Analytics GBC, about measuring and presenting the SDG-impacts on the work of the Sundance Family Foundations’ Earn and Learn Program.
About the Speakers
Peg Thomas is the Executive Director at the Sundance Family Foundation and manages the Foundation’s operations and initiatives, provides strategic program guidance to the board, mentors Sundance college interns, and provides both grants management and technical support to grantees. Peg holds an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School, an MS in Therapeutic Recreation and Administration from the University of Minnesota, an MPP in Business from the Carlson School of Business, and a BS in Music Therapy also from University of Minnesota.
Tim Roman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Ecotone Analytics GBC. Tim has an MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, where he studied integrative leadership and stakeholder collaboration for social and environmental impact. He has consulting experience in business modeling, organizational design, and process improvement for social enterprise, as well as 12 years of experience in IT, from coding to department management.

World Food Day 2020
2020-10-16 09:00 - 17:00
Registration is closed. The conference is being live streamed on Global Minnesota’s YouTube channel.
October 16, 1945, was the founding date of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Every year on this day, people around the globe gather to honor this important milestone as World Food Day and to rededicate ourselves to the international campaign underway to achieve, by 2030, the sustainable development goal of Zero Hunger.
Join us for a World Food Day 2020 virtual conference featuring presentations on global food topics including hunger relief, regenerative agriculture and sustainable development, food security and safety, impacts of climate change, and more. The goal is to deepen our personal and collective determination to defeat hunger.
Hear from heads of international organizations, companies, and trade associations who provide significant leadership in our global food system. We will also celebrate the launch of MBOLD, a coalition that leverages Minnesota’s unique concentration of food and agriculture leadership in addressing global challenges facing the food and agriculture sectors.
Presenters include Hon. David Beasley, Executive Director, United Nations World Food Programme – the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate; Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, Founder and Director, United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network; and more.
The conference is being live streamed on Global Minnesota’s YouTube channel.
Speakers and Presenters

Conference Agenda

Resources

Thank You to World Food Day 2020 Sponsors

Gold Sponsors – Hormel Foods Corporation, King Solutions, McKnight Foundation, and Regenerative Agriculture Foundation
Silver Sponsors – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and GREATER MSP
Co-Sponsor – The Monday Campaigns

Thank You to World Food Day 2020 Program Partners

Thank you to promotional partners Consulate of Mexico in Saint Paul; Ecolab; Economic Club of Minnesota; Environmental Initiative; Food Tank; Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy; Loaves & Fishes, Minnesota; Midwest Food Connection; Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture; Minnesota Women’s Press; MyFormulary; Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Minnesota; Second Harvest Heartland; and The Food Group.

The UN Celebrates 75 – What Does the Future Hold?
2020-10-21 15:00 - 16:00
As the world becomes more complex and interconnected, the United Nations (UN) is needed more than ever. However, its major partner – the United States, is pulling away from the UN, as can be seen by its slow paying Peacekeeping dues, and by withdrawing from the Paris Climate Treaty, the Iran Nuclear Framework, and the World Health Organization.
What impact does this have on the UN and the world?
Join a free webinar presentation to hear Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, discuss what the next 75 years looks like for the UN.
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About the Speaker
Stéphane Dujarric is the Spokesman for the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and coordinates the work of the main United Nations news sites. His division is responsible for media liaison and accreditation, providing logistical support and information to the international press corps, as well as coverage of official United Nations meetings. Prior to joining the United Nations, Stéphane worked for ABC News television for close to ten years in various capacities in the network’s New York City, London, and Paris news bureaus. He traveled extensively on assignment to cover major stories throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Born in France, Stéphane has been living in the United States for the most part of the last 40 years and is a graduate of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.
Presented in partnership with Citizens for Global Solutions Minnesota and the United Nations Association of Minnesota.
