Global Minnesota

2019 WorldQuest International Trivia Competition
2019-11-22 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | McNamara Alumni Center – University of Minnesota, 200 Oak St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455
This event is SOLD OUT.
It’s that time of year! Pull together a team (up to 8 people) for our popular annual battle of international wits, WorldQuest. Join the fun and enjoy a lively evening of international trivia covering flags, capitals, geography, people in the news, current events, and Global Minnesota’s focus country – Italy.
Don’t have a team? Don’t worry. Register as an individual and we’ll pair you up with stellar teammates.
We’re excited to welcome back Tom Crann, host of All Things Considered for MPR News, as emcee and Tom Hanson, former Foreign Service Officer and Diplomat in Residence at the University of Minnesota-Duluth Alworth Institute, as “Arbitrator in Residence.”
Event Details

New! Purchase raffle tickets ($10 each) for a chance to win great prizes including a Delta Air Lines voucher good for one domestic flight, a South African wine basket, and more!
Prizes for the winning teams, Best Team Costume, and Best Team Spirit will be awarded.
Light dinner provided. Cash bar available, beginning at 6:30 pm.
College and university students can play for a discounted price. See below and bring your ID.

Thanks to Premier Sponsor

Presented in partnership with the University of Minnesota Global Programs and Strategy Alliance.

2019 CHINA Town Hall
2019-11-18 16:00 - 19:00 | McNamara Alumni Center – University of Minnesota, 200 Oak St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455
Join us at the 2019 CHINA Town Hall: Local Connections, National Reflections, organized by the National Committee on United States-China Relations and locally hosted in partnership with the University of Minnesota China Center.
This national day of programming provides Americans across the U.S. and beyond the opportunity to discuss Sino-U.S. issues in the relationship with leading experts. This year’s program will feature a local presentation by Chang Wang, Senior Partner for Immigration and Art Law, Kingsfield Law Office, and a live webcast moderated by George Stephanopoulos, Chief Anchor of ABC News, and with:

Stephen Orlins, President of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations
Dr. Melanie Hart, Senior Fellow and Director for China policy at the Center for American Progress
Dr. Yasheng Huang, Epoch Foundation Professor of international management and Faculty Director of action learning at Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Dr. Ely Ratner, Executive Vice President and Director of studies at the Center for a New American Security

The evening includes complimentary hors d’oeurves.
REGISTER

Presented in partnership with the University of Minnesota China Center.

Global Conversations ST. PAUL: Nuclear Negotiations - Back to the Future?
2019-11-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W, St. Paul, MN, 55102
Nuclear weapons have not gone away, and the Trump administration has brought a new urgency, if not a new approach, to dealing with them. The President has met with Vladimir Putin as the New Start Treaty with Russia comes up for renewal in 2021, the first presidential summit ever with Kim Jong-un occurred to discuss denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, and President Trump has decertified the Obama nuclear deal with Iran.
Join us for a conversation with Raymond Kuo, Executive Director of the Midwest International Policy Institute, on the future of U.S. nuclear arms control negotiations and whether the “art of the deal” can be used to stabilize our nuclear future.
About the Speaker
Raymond Kuo is the Executive Director of the Midwest International Policy Institute, a Twin Cities-based think tank that develops state and regional-level solutions to international trade and migration challenges. Previously, Raymond was Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University at Albany, SUNY’s Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy. He also worked for the National Democratic Institute as a Program Officer overseeing political party development projects in the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and Africa, as well as for the United Nations and the Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan as a foreign policy analyst and organizational strategist. He has held short-term positions at the International Center for Transitional Justice, the Natural Resource Governance Institute, the Taipei Times newspaper, and the Council for International Exchange of Scholars, among others. Raymond holds a Ph.D. from Princeton University, an MSc. from the London School of Economics, and a B.A. from Wesleyan University.
Global Conversations in St. Paul is presented in partnership with Landmark Center.

Global Conversations MINNEAPOLIS: Information Wars
2019-11-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55401, United States
Online registration is closed. Walk-ins welcome.
Disinformation is as old as humanity. But the rise of social media has made disinformation even more pervasive and pernicious. During the final three years of the Obama administration, author and former Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Richard Stengel was on the front lines of this new global information war. Tasked with unpacking, disproving, and combating both ISIS’s messaging and Russian disinformation over the years, Richard also witnessed the use of disinformation with American voters in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
Join us for a conversation with author Richard Stengel as he discusses his new book, “Information Wars: How We Lost the Global Battle Against Disinformation and What We Can Do About It,” and walks us through the ongoing battle with disinformation and its impact on global society. The program will include a Q&A session with Richard, moderated by Euan Kerr, MPR News reporter.
Following the program, Richard will sign copies of his book “Information Wars,” 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
Author Richard Stengel is an NBC/MSNBC analyst in New York. Previously, he was the Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and the editor of TIME. From 1992 to 1994, he collaborated with Nelson Mandela on the South African leader’s autobiography “Long Walk to Freedom.” Richard later wrote “Mandela’s Way,” a New York Times best-seller, on his experience working with Mandela. He is the author of several other books, including “January Sun,” about life in a small South African town, as well as “You’re Too Kind: A Brief History of Flattery.”
Global Conversations in Minneapolis is presented in partnership with the Friends of the Minneapolis Central Library and Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, and cosponsored by:

2019 Ambassador Awards Luncheon
2019-11-06 12:00 - 13:30 | Minikahda Club, 3205 Excelsior Blvd., Minneapolis, MN, 55416
Online registration is closed. If you have questions about space availability, please call us at 612.625.1662.
You are cordially invited to our annual Ambassador Awards luncheon. Please join us as we honor this year’s recipients:

Bill George and Warren Staley

Bill George’s (Medtronic) and Warren Staley’s (Cargill) commitment to the inauguration of Global Minnesota’s Corporate Member program provided leadership in building critical relationships with Minnesota’s business community. They recognized the importance of growing Minnesota’s international profile and building global opportunities across the state. In addition, each has committed personally to the mission of the organization and actively engaged in the ongoing work of Global Minnesota.
Funds given in honor of Bill George and Warren Staley will be added to the Global Minnesota Distinguished Ambassador Fund, which makes it possible to bring high-level dignitaries and speakers to Minnesota to engage with our community.
CAN’T ATTEND? HONOR AND DONATE NOW

About William W. (Bill) George
Bill George is a Senior Fellow at Harvard Business School and is the former Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Medtronic. He is the author of Discover Your True North and The Discover Your True North Fieldbook, Authentic Leadership, True North, Finding Your True North, 7 Lessons for Leading in Crisis and True North Groups. Bill has previously served on the boards of Goldman Sachs, Mayo Clinic, ExxonMobil, Target, Novartis and The World Economic Forum USA. In 2014, the Franklin Institute presented Bill with the Bower Award for Business Leadership. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2012 and was named one of “Top 25 Business Leaders of the Past 25 Years” by PBS. Mr. George received his BSIE with high honors from Georgia Tech, his MBA with high distinction from Harvard University, where he was a Baker Scholar. He has received honorary PhDs from Georgia Tech, Mayo Medical School, University of St. Thomas, Augsburg College, and Bryant University.
About Warren Staley
Warren Staley is a Founder and Partner of O’Brien-Staley Partners and is the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cargill. He joined Cargill as a trainee in 1969 and held various merchandising and administrative positions in corn milling in the U.S. and in Europe and was head of Cargill in Argentina, president of Worldwide Feed, and president of North America and Latin America. He is a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and the current Board Chair of Music Academy of the West. Warren previously served on several boards including U.S. Bancorp, Target, Opportunity International, Minnesota Early Education Foundation, and the Greater Twin Cities United Way, where he and his wife Mary Lynn served as Co-Chairs for the 2002 Campaign. Warren received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Kansas State University and his MBA from Cornell University.

Culture Through Cuisine: Italian Aperitivo
2019-11-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Italian Eatery, 4724 Cedar Ave., Minneapolis, MN, 55407
This program is SOLD OUT.
There is no better way to explore our Year of Italy than indulging in one of the cornerstones of Italian culture: its cuisine. Although Italy is home to a variety of regional culinary variations, quality and simplicity of ingredients are common threads that link the Tuscan countryside to Sicilian coastlines. Whether it’s pasta alla norma, pesce, focaccia, tiramisu, or of course, pizza, Italy’s rich culinary tradition is interpreted and enjoyed around the world.
Since opening in 2016, Italian Eatery, or ie, has quickly become a fixture in South Minneapolis, offering a fresh take on Italian cuisine rooted in seasonal and local ingredients. Italian Eatery’s ambiance captures the warmth of a rustic Umbrian farmhouse, and the 10,000 corks that line the dining room walls are a testament to the devotion and passion of owners Vanessa and Eric Carrara.
Join us for a special Culture Through Cuisine at the Italian Eatery as we experience the traditional Italian Aperitivo (happy hour). The evening will consist of heavy hors d’oeuvres of charcuterie and cheese, roman meatballs, short ribs, calamari fritti, bacon-wrapped dates, bruschetta, and tiramisu. Guests will also receive one complimentary craft cocktail of their choice.
Registration includes food, non-alcoholic beverages, tax, and gratuity. Advance registration and prepayment required.
Event vouchers accepted. To register with a voucher, please call us at 612.625.1662. You must bring voucher(s) to the event to redeem.
Photo credit: Italian Eatery
Presented in partnership with the Italian Cultural Center of Minneapolis/St. Paul.

The Future We Want: The UN We Need
2019-10-23 17:00 - 20:00 | James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave., St. Paul, Minnesota, 55102
This event is SOLD OUT.
In the coming years, global issues such as climate change, poverty and inequality, migration and displacement, and rapid changes in demography and technology will require cooperation across borders, sectors, and generations. The United Nations’ interconnected Sustainable Development Goals help address these global challenges and provide the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. But while collective action is needed, the disconnect between people and institutions grows and multilateralism is being called into question.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the UN, which will inspire dialogues across the globe to collect diverse perspectives and creative ideas on what is needed to address emerging risks and opportunities and to navigate the gap between the world we want and where we are headed.
Just in time for UN Day and to help kick off the 75th anniversary of the UN, join us for a special reception and presentation by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The evening will also include a Q&A session with Stephane and time for networking.
About the Speaker
Stéphane Dujarric is the Spokesman for the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and also served as Spokesman for United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Deputy Communications Director for Secretary-General Ban Kimoon. Prior to his current appointment, Stéphane was Director of News and Media for the United Nations Department of Public Information, where he oversaw the UN’s television, radio, and photo operations, and coordinated the work of the main United Nations news sites, operating in eight languages. His News and Media Division was 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, producing written coverage for the media, delegations and the general public. 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.

American Foreign Policy in an Age of Uncertainty
2019-10-14 14:30 - 16:30 | Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, 301 19th Ave. S, Minneapolis, 55454
Online registration is closed. This event is sold out.
As the top professional diplomat at the U.S. Department of State during the Obama-Trump presidential transition, Ambassador Thomas A. Shannon, Jr. had the ultimate insider’s view of the new administration’s shift in the United States’ foreign policy agenda.
Join us to hear Ambassador Shannon’s perspective on current foreign policy challenges and opportunities, the Trump administration’s understanding of the world, and its approach to promoting U.S. interests. The program will include a Q&A session with Ambassador Shannon, moderated by Mary Curtin, Diplomat-in-Residence at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
About the Speaker
With more than three decades of government service and diplomatic experience, Ambassador Shannon most recently served as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, the third highest-ranking position at the U.S. Department of State. Holding the personal rank of Career Ambassador, he was the highest-ranking member of the United States Foreign Service, the country’s professional diplomatic corps. During his tenure as Under Secretary, Ambassador Shannon was in charge of bilateral and multilateral foreign policymaking and implementation, and oversaw diplomatic activity globally and in missions to international organizations. He managed the State Department during the presidential transition, led bilateral and strategic stability talks with the Russian Federation, worked with allies to oversee Iranian compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and expanded U.S. engagement in Central Asia, among other things.
Presented in partnership with the UnitedHealth Group and University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

Young Professionals Networking: Travel and Hispanic Heritage
2019-10-07 18:00 - 20:00 | La Doña Cervecería, 241 Fremont Ave N, Minneapolis, MN, 55405, United States
Online registration is closed. Walk-ins welcome.
Enjoy a pint and an evening of travel, trivia, and networking at our next young professionals event at La Doña Cervecería in Minneapolis. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we’ll connect with others interested in international travel, with a focus on Latin America, and learn the top tips to seeing more of the world for less, from the co-founders of Thrifty Traveler.
The evening will include a short presentation by Jared Kamrowski and Nick Serati of Thrifty Traveler, a lightning round of Latin America-themed trivia, and time for networking.
During the event, we’ll also give away a one-year subscription to Thrifty Traveler Premium, which delivers 1-3 international flight deals each day directly to your email inbox. Must be present to win!
Registration includes one drink ticket and appetizers.
About the Speakers
Jared Kamrowski and Nick Serati are co-founders of Thrifty Traveler, a Minnesota-based organization with the goal to make travel affordable for everybody by helping people spend less and travel more. Jared launched Thrifty Traveler in 2015 after spending years traveling as a Certified Public Accountant. Through his work travel experiences, Jared quickly became acquainted with various airline and hotel rewards programs and spent years researching travel points and miles. Co-founder Nick also traveled extensively for his previous job and successfully earned more than 5 million travel points by maximizing his spending.
Presented in partnership with Thrifty Traveler.

12th Annual Great Decisions Conference: The United States and Mexico - A Partnership Tested
2019-10-04 08:30 - 12:30 | Carlson School of Management, 3M Auditorium, 321 19th Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN, 55455
Online registration is closed. Walk-ins welcome.
The United States and Mexico have a long, intertwined history, with both countries prominently featured in each other’s politics and agendas. The war on drugs, immigration, and trade issues have taxed the relationship over the years. And despite shared geographic, economic, and social connections, the bilateral relationship is subject to strong pressures coming from domestic politics on both sides of the border. What impact will new leadership in both countries have on this crucial partnership?
Join us as we examine this question and more with keynote speakers Ambassador of Mexico Martha Bárcena Coqui and former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Jeffrey Davidow. Since joining the Mexican Foreign Service in 1979, Ambassador Bárcena has held diplomatic positions in Denmark, Italy, Spain, and Turkey. She has also been the Head of the Department of Migrant Workers and Border Cooperation in the General Directorate for North America and has participated in multiple international conferences, including the G-20 and the World Humanitarian Summit. Ambassador Davidow spent much of his diplomatic career overseas with postings in Guatemala, Chile, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and as Ambassador to Zambia, Venezuela, and Mexico. In 2003, he retired from the U.S. Department of State with the rank of Career Ambassador, the highest position in the Foreign Service, and is currently a Senior Counselor of the Cohen Group, a Washington-based international business consultancy.
Following the keynote presentations, Fred de Sam Lazaro, Executive Director of the Under-Told Stories Project and correspondent for the PBS NewsHour, will moderate a Q&A session with Ambassadors Bárcena and Davidow.
Conference Details

Registration includes continental breakfast
Conference Agenda

New Member Special
Become a new Global Minnesota member at the Basic level ($75) or above and receive one FREE admission to the conference. Sign up for the new member special here.
Presented in partnership with the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management and the Under-Told Stories Project at The University of St. Thomas.

Culture Through Cuisine: Russia
2019-09-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Moscow On The Hill, 371 Selby Ave., St. Paul, MN, 55102
This event is SOLD OUT.
The vast cultural and geographic expanse of Russia and its close connections with Europe, Asia, and the Middle East contribute to the varied character of the country’s cuisine. From the beloved rural dishes made from simple ingredients to the refined culinary techniques of smoked meats and delicate dumplings, Russian cuisine is distinct and reflects the different environmental, social, geographical, and historical factors of the region.
Experience a classic family-style Russian meal at Moscow on the Hill, as we dine on handmade Siberian beef and pork pelmeni dumplings; fresh garden salad; grandma’s “golubtsy” meat and rice-filled cabbage rolls braised in rich tomato sauce with sour cream and fresh herbs; Moscow fries made from fried dill potatoes; and decadent white Russian tiramisu. Guests will receive one drink ticket for a glass of house wine and be entertained with a sampling of traditional Russian folk music.
Along with delicious food and conversation, we’ll hear from Todd Lefko, Chair of the Russian American Business and Culture Council, on building strong ties between Minnesota and Russia.
Registration includes dinner, non-alcoholic beverages, black Russian tea, tax, and gratuity. Cash bar also available. Advance registration and prepayment required.
Event vouchers accepted. To register with a voucher, please call us at 612.625.1662. You must bring voucher(s) to the event to redeem.
Presented in partnership with the Russian American Business and Culture Council.

Global Conversations MINNEAPOLIS: The U.S.-Japan Alliance in an Evolving Indo-Pacific
2019-09-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55401, United States
Online registration is closed. Walk-ins welcome.
The U.S.-Japan Alliance has underpinned Indo-Pacific security and prosperity for over seven decades. This security alliance has in turn led to cooperation and partnership between the two countries on political, economic, humanitarian, and other issues emblematic of their shared values. Today, the many facets of U.S.-Japan relations stretch across the United States. How strong are U.S.-Japan ties, and how do they affect the United States? What is the current role of this alliance, and how is it evolving in response to changing Indo-Pacific and global developments? Can U.S.-Japan relations develop in the future to the benefit of both countries?
Join us for a discussion to address these questions featuring former U.S. Director for National Intelligence and Commander of U.S. Pacific Command, Admiral Dennis C. Blair (ret.), Chairman and Distinguished Senior Fellow at Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA, and Dr. Satu Limaye, Vice President and Director of the East-West Center in Washington, who will discuss the significance of and possibilities going forward for the U.S.-Japan alliance. The Q&A portion of the program will be moderated by Liz Brailsford, Chief Operating Officer at the World Affairs Councils of America.
Sponsored by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA and members of Global Minnesota. Presented in partnership with the Friends of the Minneapolis Central Library, Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, and World Affairs Council of America.

Global Conversations ST. PAUL: Japan Matters for America - Japan Matters for Minnesota
2019-09-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W, St. Paul, MN, 55102
Online registration is closed. Walk-ins welcome.
Did you know that Japan is the 2nd-largest foreign investor in Minnesota? Beyond the security relationship between the U.S. and Japan, their relations are characterized by strong economic, cultural, and educational ties providing for greater friendship and mutual understanding between their two peoples. However, what are the specific benefits the North Star State accrues from this robust alliance?
Join Global Minnesota and Sasakawa USA for a presentation and Q&A with Dr. Satu Limaye, Vice President and Director of the East-West Center in Washington, D.C., to learn more and discuss how Minnesota is impacted by and contributes to Japan and the overall international alliance. With expertise in Asia Pacific international relations; U.S.-Asia defense and security relations; and India’s foreign policy, Dr. Limaye publishes and speaks on U.S.-Asia relations and is a reviewer for numerous publications, foundations, and fellowship programs. Previously, he was a Research Staff Member of the Strategy and Resources Division at the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) and Director of Research and Publications at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS), a direct reporting unit of U.S. Pacific Command.

Sponsored by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA and members of Global Minnesota. Presented in partnership with Landmark Center and World Affairs Council of America.

Doing Business in Japan in Turbulent Times
2019-09-18 08:00 - 10:00 | Dorsey & Whitney LLP, 50 South Sixth St., Suite 1500, Minneapolis, 55402
Japan is the world’s third-largest economy and remains one of the most reliable trade and investment partners for the United States. As two democracies accounting for 30% of the global economy, the United States and Japan could generate greater benefits for each other and beyond through closer cooperation. However, regional tensions are raising concerns about the economic stability in the region, and U.S. withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership has excluded U.S. businesses from preferential tariff and investment protections in Japan.
Join us for a panel discussion on these developments and opportunities for Minnesota companies despite the turbulence.
Topics will include:

The business climate in Japan
The U.S.-Japan relationship
Trade tensions and treaties
Legal, tax, and accounting issues

REGISTER

Speakers and Panelists
Wendy Cutler, Keynote Speaker
Vice President and Managing Director, Asia Society Policy Institute, Washington, D.C. Office
Jim Southwick, Panelist
Vice President, Global Government Affairs, Medtronic, Inc.
Elisabeth Thorn, Panelist
Director, Sales & Marketing, WR Medical/Therabath
Ryo Eguchi, Panelist
Leader of Japanese Deal Advisory Team, KPMG
Chris Bercaw, Moderator
Partner, Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Complimentary parking available. Details here.
In partnership with Dorsey & Whitney LLP, Japan American Society of Minnesota, KPMG LLP, Minnesota Trade Office, Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA’s “The Alliance Working in America” program, and the World Affairs Councils of America.

Year of Italy Launch
2019-09-11 16:30 - 18:30 | Food Building, 1401 Marshall St. NE, Minneapolis, MN, 55413, United States
Online registration is closed.
From art and cuisine to politics and innovation, there is much to learn about this year’s focus country, Italy. In the months ahead, we’ll explore Italy’s rich cultural heritage while also focusing on the role Italy plays in a modern, interconnected world.
Join us at the Food Building in Northeast Minneapolis for a special reception as we launch our Year of Italy. The evening will feature complimentary Italian hors d’oeuvres, music and a cash bar, and will set the stage for a yearlong focus on our European partner.
Presented in partnership with the Italian Cultural Center and the Honorary Consulate of Italy in Minneapolis.

Global Social with International Fellows
2019-08-28 17:30 - 19:30 | KNOCK, Inc., 1307 Glenwood Ave., Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55405
Online registration is closed.
For members and their guests only.
This August, we’re proud to welcome 2019 international fellows with the World Press Institute and the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program to Minnesota with a special reception, hosted by Global Minnesota corporate member KNOCK, Inc.
This year’s World Press Institute Fellows come from 10 countries including Algeria, Belarus, Finland, and Uruguay. While in Minnesota, they will examine the United States’ free press and media innovations with a focus on nuclear threats and security, journalism in the era of President Trump, the Presidential election, and the role of social media in politics and journalism.
Likewise, the Humphrey Fellows represent countries from around the world including Chad, Kosovo, Libya, South Korea, and Tajikistan. In Minnesota for a year, these fellows will learn about the U.S. cultural, political, and economic systems and further develop a sense of the global context in which they and their countries operate.
Be part of this exclusive event for Global Minnesota members and their guests to meet these international fellows and learn about their cultures, countries, and professional work. 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.
Want to attend but not yet a member? Check out the many benefits of membership and join today!
Presented in partnership with KNOCK, Inc., University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs, and the World Press Institute.

Global Conversations: Challenges and Change in Latin America
2019-08-21 18:00 - 19:15 | Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55401, United States
Online registration is closed. Walk-ins welcome.
Countries across Latin America continue to gain global importance as they explore economic and trade opportunities, invest in oil and gas production, and seek out new international partnerships. Yet, in recent years, relations between the U.S. and Latin America have grown more turbulent, especially in the wake of President Trump’s immigration policies and stance toward the “Troika of Tyranny” of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
Join a conversation with Inter-American Dialogue President Michael Shifter as he discusses the complex and often strained relations between the U.S. and Latin America including a look at immigration and trade policies, the reversal of the Cuban thaw, the Trump administration’s return to a more militant war on drugs, and the implications of recent developments with Venezuela and China. The program will also include a Q&A session with Michael, moderated by Adrean Scheid, Senior Vice President, International Relations at UnitedHealth Group.
About the Speaker
In addition to his role as President of the Inter-American Dialogue, Michael Shifter has been an adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service since 1993, where he teaches Latin American politics. Michael writes and talks widely on U.S.-Latin America relations and hemispheric affairs. His recent articles have appeared in major U.S. and Latin American publications and he has frequently appeared on CNN and BBC. He is co-editor, along with Jorge Domínguez, of Constructing Democratic Governance in Latin America, published by Johns Hopkins University Press. Prior to joining the Inter-American Dialogue, Michael directed the Latin American and Caribbean program at the National Endowment for Democracy and, before that, the Ford Foundation’s governance and human rights program in the Andean region and Southern Cone where he was based in Lima, Peru, and subsequently, in Santiago, Chile.
Presented in partnership with Friends of the Minneapolis Central Library, Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, and UnitedHealth Group.

Young Professionals Networking
2019-07-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Surly Brewing Co., 520 Malcolm Ave. SE, Minneapolis, 55414
Online registration is closed. Walk-ins welcome.
Enjoy a pint and connect with others interested in foreign policy, international travel, and global development and business, at our summer young professional networking event at Surly Brewing Company.
The evening will include a short presentation by Somali-American entrepreneur Mohamed Malim and his work creating Epimonia and Dream Refugee, time for networking, and a sampling of dishes from Surly’s delicious menu.
Registration includes one drink ticket and appetizers.
About the Speaker
Mohamed Malim is a social entrepreneur activist, humanitarian, and visionary. He is the founder of Dream Refugee, a nonprofit that helps refugees connect with their communities through the power of storytelling, and is also the founder of Epimonia, a fashion company that turns recycled refugee life jackets into bracelets, with 50% of profits being donated to refugee causes around the U.S. Mohamed is a former refugee from Kenya, whose family fled the civil war in Somalia in the 1990s. He has been invited to numerous summit workshops, including the United Nations Youth Summit, and has received several leadership awards, including Promise Prize Award and the Presidential Leadership Award from the Minnesota Campus Compact. He has been profiled by various national media outlets including Voice of America, Business Insider, NowThis News, and others. A graduate of the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, Mohamed is an advocate for refugees and strives to bring awareness of the global refugee crises to college campuses.
Presented in partnership with Dream Refugee, Epimonia, and the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

Culture Through Cuisine: Ethiopia
2019-07-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Dilla’s Ethiopian Restaurant, 1813 Riverside Ave. N, Minneapolis, MN, 55454
This event is SOLD OUT. Registration is closed.
The Twin Cities is home to one of the largest Ethiopian diaspora populations in the United States, including a large number of ethnic Oromo people. And, the Minneapolis-St. Paul area has a correspondingly delicious and vibrant dining scene, such as Dilla’s Ethiopian Restaurant. Positioned as a stop along ancient trade routes, Ethiopia boasts cuisine that has creatively infused cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, fenugreek, turmeric, and other spices for centuries.
Join us at Dilla’s Ethiopian Restaurant for a traditional Ethiopian meal of beef, lamb, chicken, and vegetables cooked in a variety of flavors including Ethiopia-grown chili peppers, ginger, garlic, onions, basil, and more. We’ll hear from representatives from United Oromo Voices on the community and culture of the local Oromo diaspora. The evening will also include a traditional tea ceremony.
Registration includes dinner, non-alcoholic beverages, tax, and gratuity. Cash bar also available. Advance registration and prepayment required.
Event vouchers accepted. To register with a voucher, please call us at 612.625.1662. You must bring voucher(s) to the event to redeem.
Presented in partnership with United Oromo Voices.

Global Conversations: State of the State Department and Diplomacy
2019-07-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55401, United States
This event is SOLD OUT. Online registration is closed.
During the Trump administration, the usual ways of conducting diplomacy have been upended. Many positions in the U.S. Department of State have never been filled, and meetings with foreign leaders such as Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin have been undertaken with little advance planning.
Join us for a discussion with Tom Hanson, former U.S. Foreign Service Officer, on how these changes are impacting ongoing relationships between the United States and its allies and adversaries. The program will also include a Q&A session with Tom, moderated by Mary Curtin, Diplomat-in-Residence at the University of Minnesota 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 Friends of the Minneapolis Central Library and Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central.

Global Conversations MINNEAPOLIS: Internationally Hacked - World Wide Weapons
2019-06-19 18:00 - 19:15 | Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55401, United States
Online registration is closed. Walk-ins welcome.
This program has been RESCHEDULED to Wednesday, June 19. Questions? Please call 612.625.1662.
Cyber conflict is a new and continually developing threat, which can include foreign interference in elections, industrial sabotage, and attacks on infrastructure. Russia has been accused of interfering in the 2016 presidential elections in the United States, and China is highly committed to using cyberspace as a tool of national policy. Dealing with cyber conflict will require new ways of looking at 21st-century warfare.
Join us for a discussion with Andrew Borene, Senior Director, U.S. Federal National Security Group Leader at Symantec Corporation, on the United States’ ability to respond to growing cyber threats.
About the Speaker
Andrew Borene, JD, CISSP, is the Senior Director of Symantec’s Federal National Security Group. In this role, he is responsible for leading a team that delivers innovation and integrated cyber defense solutions to protect U.S. National Security and Intelligence Community customers. Before joining Symantec, Andrew was a senior advisor to the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence where he supported industry, academic, military, and worldwide partnership efforts. In previous government service, he was an Associate Deputy General Counsel at the Department of Defense and after 9/11, he served overseas as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, and later was awarded a U.S. Department of State Fellowship to study post-conflict peacebuilding efforts in Northern Ireland. His private sector experience includes leadership roles with IBM, Deloitte, LexisNexis, Wells Fargo & Co., and high-tech start-ups. Andrew is a recognized media analyst on technology, law, and national security policy and has been the homeland program director at George Mason University Law School’s National Security Institute. He has held adjunct faculty appointments at Georgetown University, American University, Macalester College, and the University of Minnesota. Andrew is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional and chairs the Cyber Security Summit advisory board. He has been recognized with the FBI Director’s Award for Exceptional Service in the Public Interest and is a Life Member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Global Conversations in Minneapolis is presented in partnership with the Friends of the Minneapolis Central Library and the Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central.

Year of South Africa Gala
2019-06-15 16:30 - 20:30 | Bavaria Downs, 3919 Bavaria Road, Chaska, MN, 55318
Online registration is closed. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call 612.625.1662.
Join us for our annual fundraising gala as we explore South African culture, highlight U.S.-South Africa relations, and connect Minnesotans to our African partner. Featuring fine South African-inspired cuisine and entertainment, the Tour the World live and silent auctions, and guest of honor Consul General Phumzile Mazibuko, the gala is set to be a one-of-a-kind evening that raises critical funds to support Global Minnesota’s mission.
This unique cultural event draws more than 300 of Global Minnesota’s well-traveled supporters and raises critical funds for ongoing educational and cultural programs designed to help Minnesotans live, work, and lead globally.
Event Details

Become a patron or underwriter sponsor, which includes exclusive opportunities and benefits.
New this year! We are excited to hold this year’s gala at the indoor, picturesque Bavaria Downs in Chaska at 3919 Bavaria Road, Chaska, MN 55318.
Complimentary valet parking will be available.
Mobile bidding is back! Once again, mobile bidding will be used for the silent auction. Staff will be on-site to help.
Semiformal attire is suggested.

To receive a full refund, you must cancel your registration by June 3, 2019. Please call us at 612.625.1662 to cancel and request a refund.

A Conversation with Ambassador Awad on the Current State of Somalia
2019-06-10 14:00 - 15:15 | Augsburg University Hoversten Chapel, Foss Center, 625 22nd Ave. South, Minneapolis, 55454
Online registration is closed. Walk-ins welcome.
The location for this event has changed to Augsburg University Hoversten Chapel in the Foss Center. Please see below for details.
Join us as we welcome Ambassador Ahmed Isse Awad, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of The Federal Republic of Somalia, to Minnesota for a special program on Somalia. Ambassador Awad will speak about economic, political, and cultural aspects of Somalia as well as the country’s efforts to rebuild after years of war.
The program will also include a moderated Q&A session.
About Ambassador Awad
Ambassador Ahmed Isse Awad is the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of The Federal Republic of Somalia. He had the honor to reopen the Somali Embassy in Washington, D.C. after it has been closed for 24 years. Before his post in Washington, D.C., Ambassador Awad worked in peacebuilding for UN Peacekeeping missions in Sudan, where he promoted conflict resolution, peace, reconciliation and trust building, good governance, and the role of civil society in the peace process. Prior to joining the UN, Ambassador Awad participated as a resource person in the Somali Reconciliation Conference in Arta in Djibouti and the Somalia National Reconciliation Conference in Kenya. He also served as Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister for The Transitional National Government of Somalia. His work and interests include the promotion of peace and state-building in post-conflict societies, democratic governance, diplomacy, international relations, global affairs, and empowerment of youth and women. Ambassador Awad holds a master’s degree from the Institute of Peace and Security Studies of the Addis Ababa University and a bachelor’s degree from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada.
Registration strongly recommended. Limited seats are available.
Presented in partnership with Augsburg University Center for Global Education and Experience (CGEE) and the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

Doing Business Across Africa
2019-05-20 08:00 - 10:00 | Dorsey & Whitney LLP, 50 South Sixth St., Suite 1500, Minneapolis, 55402
According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic development, Africa is the fastest growing regional market for exports from Minnesota companies. While a quickly growing market, many companies are just starting the journey to understand how to navigate Africa’s unique business environment.
Please join us for a lively and candid discussion of opportunities and challenges facing Minnesota companies doing business across Africa, with insights from Albright Stonebridge Group, U.S. Commercial Service, African Development Center, Dorsey & Whitney, and KPMG.
Topics will include:

Public policy issues
Operational insights on doing business across Africa
Legal, tax, and accounting issues

REGISTER

Speakers and Panelists
Desirée M. Cormier, Keynote Speaker
Senior Director, Albright Stonebridge Group’s Africa Practice
Fred L. E. Stewart, Panelist
Director, Office of Africa, U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration
Nasibu Sareva, Panelist
Executive Director, African Development Center
Steve Nelson, Panelist
Partner, Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Anne Bardopoulos, Panelist
Senior Manager, International Indirect Taxes Group, KPMG LLP
Jessica Libby, Panelist
Managing Director, Trade & Customs, KPMG LLP
Complimentary parking available. Details here.
Produced in partnership with Dorsey & Whitney LLP, KPMG LLP, and the Minnesota Trade Office.

Global Conversations: A Rwandan Story of Healing and Forgiveness
2019-05-15 18:00 - 19:15 | Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55401, United States
Online registration is closed. Walk-ins welcome.
In 1994 over the span of 100 days, nearly a million Tutsi were killed in Rwanda. After finding personal healing and forgiveness, author Denise Uwimana turned her extraordinary experience as a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide into a personal mission to provide material and spiritual assistance to fellow survivors. To mark the 25th commemoration of the genocide, Denise recently released the moving memoir “From Red Earth: A Rwandan Story of Healing and Forgiveness,” where she recounts her story of survival and continuing efforts to restore her country by empowering Rwandans to band together, find healing, share their stories, and rebuild their lives.
Join us for a special program with Denise as she shares her testimony and discusses Rwanda’s turbulent history and the projects and programs established to promote healing, renovation, and community building in the region. The evening will include a Q&A session.
Following the program, Denise will sign copies of her book “From Red Earth: A Rwandan Story of Healing and Forgiveness,” 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
Sakina Denise Uwimana-Reinhardt was born to Rwandan immigrant parents in Burundi. She later moved to Rwanda, where she met her husband, Charles. When she was 29, she survived the Rwandan genocide of 1994 with her three sons; however, her husband was killed. For the past three decades, Denise has worked for Iriba Shalom International, a charitable organization she co-founded to help Rwandans gain new perspectives by promoting reconciliation and forgiveness, and she recently released her memoir “From Red Earth: A Rwandan Story of Healing and Forgiveness.” Denise remarried and now lives with her husband, Dr. Wolfgang Reinhardt, in Germany. Together they continue to work for healing in Rwanda.
Presented in partnership with the Friends of the Minneapolis Central Library, Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, and World Without Genocide.
Photo credit: Denise Uwimana

Saving the Majestic Rhino: Conservation Challenges and Successes Across South Africa
2019-05-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Sunrise Banks Corporate Headquarters, 2525 Wabash Ave., St. Paul, MN, 55114
For members and their guests only.
Home to more than 20,000 rhinoceroses, South Africa has one of the largest rhino populations in the world. However, threats from poaching, habitat loss, and political conflict continuously endanger the rhino species, pushing them toward extinction.
As we continue our yearlong focus on South Africa, join us for a special discussion with Nicole Benjamin-Fink, wildlife biologist and founder of Conservation Beyond Borders, on the work being done across political and geographic boundaries to engage communities in the socioeconomic implications of policies that endanger the rhino.
About the Speaker
Nicole Benjamin-Fink is a wildlife biologist and the Director and Founder of Conservation Beyond Borders, an organization that resolves human-wildlife conflict across Africa and Asia. Nicole provides science-based strategies to international, national, and regional decision makers, and applies economic theory to save endangered species in their habitat. Her research highlights the importance of local capacity building, as well as integrating indigenous people into the conservation process. Nicole applies game theory and Bayesian statistics to address rhino poaching concerns across Africa and India, and has conducted research in South America, Southern Africa, West Africa, and India. Nicole founded Conservation Beyond Borders as a platform to provide conceptual and applicable solutions to transboundary conservation challenges.
This event is for Global Minnesota members only. Not a member? Become one today!

On Time and Water: A Call to a New Scientific Revolution
2019-05-03 16:00 - 18:00 | Water Bar & Public Studio, 2518 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis, 55401
Online registration is closed.
During the next 100 years, a fundamental change to the elements of water on our planet is expected. Many glaciers will melt, sea levels will rise at a faster rate than seen before, acidification will bring the oceans to a pH level not seen in 30 million years, and patterns of rain and snow will dramatically change in many areas. According to new studies, the world is faced with the increasingly difficult task of cutting carbon emissions to zero by 2050.
Join us for a discussion with author Andri Snær Magnason as he describes how the global narrative on water and climate change serve to motivate scientific studies and projects in the decades to come. The program will also include a panel discussion, Q&A session, and time for networking.
Panelists

Andri Snær Magnason, Author
Shanai Matteson, Lead Artist and Collaborative Director at the Water Bar and Public Studio
Bjorgvin Saevarsson, an expert on regenerative development and the circular economy
Moderator – Patrick Nunnally, River Life Program Coordinator at the University of Minnesota

About the Speaker
Andri Snær Magnason is an Icelandic author and writer born in Reykjavik. He has written novels, poetry, plays, short stories, essays, and films that have been published or performed in more than 35 countries. His children’s book, “The Story of the Blue Planet,” was the first children’s book to receive the Icelandic Literary Prize and also received the Janusz Korczak Honorary Award in Poland. Throughout his career, Andri has collaborated with various artists in the fields of activism, architecture, and theatre, and has been active in the fight for preserving the nature of Iceland. His book “Dreamland: A Self-Help Manual for a Frightened Nation,” takes on these issues and has sold more than 20,000 copies in Iceland.
Presented in partnership with the Honorary Consulate of Iceland in Minnesota, Minnesota Trade Office, University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment (IonE), University of Minnesota Water Council, and Water Bar & Public Studio.

Culture Through Cuisine: Brazil
2019-04-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Samba, 922 Main Street, Hopkins, MN, 55343
SOLD OUT. Online registration is closed.
Drawing on culinary inspiration from Europe, Africa, and Asia, the well-crafted menu at Samba reflects the multicultural and authentic tastes of Brazil. From the grilled churrasco to the feijoada to a variety of Brazilian gourmet pizzas, Samba offers a large variety of dishes that are sure to please the curious connoisseur in search of new flavors. Comfortable and charming, this family-owned eatery presents a traditional, home-style take on Brazilian cuisine that is rarely found in Minnesota.
Join us at Samba – Taste of Brazil for a delicious Brazilian experience and hear from owner and chef, Joe Pantano, as he discusses the evolution of Brazilian food and the history of Samba. We’ll also enjoy the musical stylings of Brazilian performers Paula Kanne and Robertinho.
Registration includes dinner, Brazilian cocktail caipirinha, non-alcoholic beverages, tax, and gratuity. Cash bar also available. Advance registration and prepayment required.
Event vouchers accepted. To register with a voucher, please call us at 612.625.1662. You must bring voucher(s) to the event to redeem.
Presented in partnership Brazil Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and Honorary Consulate of Brazil.

CANCELED - Global Conversations ST. PAUL: Internationally Hacked - World Wide Weapons
2019-04-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W, St. Paul, MN, 55102
Due to schedule and travel conflicts, this program has been CANCELED. To attend the RESCHEDULED Minneapolis version of this program, please register here.
Cyber conflict is a new and continually developing threat, which can include foreign interference in elections, industrial sabotage, and attacks on infrastructure. Russia has been accused of interfering in the 2016 presidential elections in the United States and China is highly committed to using cyberspace as a tool of national policy. Dealing with cyber conflict will require new ways of looking at 21st-century warfare.
Join us for a discussion with Andrew Borene, Associate Director for Homeland Security at George Mason University Law School’s National Security Institute, on the United States’ ability to respond to growing cyber threats.
About the Speaker
Andrew Borene serves as the Honorary Chairman of the Cyber Security Summit, a Twin Cities-based leadership consortium that brings together industry, government, and academic interests to improve the state of cybersecurity. He is a licensed attorney and Certified Information Systems Security Professional. Mr. Borene is also Director for the Homeland at George Mason University Law School’s National Security Institute. Previously, he was a Senior Advisor to the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. He has been an Associate Deputy General Counsel at the Pentagon and served in the Middle East as a U.S. Marine Officer. His private sector experience includes leadership roles with IBM, Deloitte, LexisNexis, Wells Fargo & Co., and high-tech start-ups. Mr. Borene has written and edited books on national security law, human rights law, and the laws of armed conflict. His policy analysis and commentary have been published in The New York Times and others, and he has been a television and radio analyst on cybersecurity, defense and international relations for networks including CNN, NPR, and CBS. A native Minnesotan, Mr. Borene is a recipient of the FBI Director’s Award for Exceptional Public Service and a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He holds a J.D. from the University of Minnesota, a B.A. in economics from Macalester College, and has completed executive education in international finance at Harvard University.
Global Conversations in St. Paul is presented in partnership with Landmark Center.

Urban Expedition: Vietnam
2019-04-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W, St. Paul, MN, 55102
Explore the globe with 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 Vietnam in April.
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 Ecolab, Minnesota Parent Magazine, Ramsey County, RBC Wealth Management, and Travelers.
Learn More
