Discovering Brasília’s Musical Voices
2024-12-06 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Lloyd Ultan Hall, University of Minnesota School of Music, South 4th Street 2106, Minneapolis, MN, 55454, United States
This free event is being held in-person and is open to everyone. No registration is required to attend.
On December 6, Lloyd Ultan Hall at the University of Minnesota’s School of Music will host a special guitar recital by Alvaro Henrique, a first-year Brazilian DMA student, UMN Teaching Assistant, and Global Minnesota Classroom Connection volunteer.
This recital features works by composers born in Brasília, the capital city and federal district of Brazil, presenting a diverse range of compositions that reflect the city’s unique musical culture. The program aims to promote a local musical identity, with Alvaro having personally commissioned several pieces to highlight the creativity and talent of his hometown.
This recital is more than a performance—it’s a project to foster and showcase the unique contributions of Brasília’s composers to the classical guitar repertoire. Alvaro’s dedication to commissioning and performing these works underscores his belief in the value of local culture and its potential to make a lasting impact on the global stage.
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2024 WorldQuest International Trivia Competition
2024-12-12 18:00 - 20:30 | Great Hall – Coffman Memorial Union, 300 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis, MN, 55455
This event is being held in-person and is open to everyone. Registration is now CLOSED. Please contact Katie Kelley at kkelley@globalminnesota.org with any questions.
Calling all global trivia enthusiasts! Get ready for an evening of food, fun, and facts. Join us for the 2024 Community WorldQuest competition to determine Minnesota’s next global trivia champion. Gather your friends to assemble a team for our popular annual battle of international wits. Topics will feature national flags, capitals, geography, people in the news, current events, and topics from our Global Connect newsletter. Study up on past issues of the Global Connect here!
This exciting event includes a buffet dinner (with regular, gluten free and vegan options), beverages, a cash bar, and lots of fun. Space is limited, so sign up today.
Event Details

Registration is available for teams of up to 8
Discount for Global Minnesota members (at least one participant on a team needs to be a member at the Supporter level or above to receive member group rate).
New location: Coffman Memorial Union Great Hall
MPR’s Tom Crann will be returning as Emcee!
Winning teams will receive bragging rights and fun prizes. Best Team Spirit will be awarded as well.
Check-in and buffet dinner will start at 6:00 pm with the competition kicking off at 7:00 pm. A cash bar will be available.
High school, college and university students can play for a discounted price.
WorldQuest scoring is automatic and final.
Parking: Parking is available in several nearby parking ramps on the University of Minnesota campus.

Thanks to event sponsor Horton, Inc.!
If you require an accessibility accommodation, please contact Events Manager Katie Kelley at kkelley@globalminnesota.org at least two weeks prior to the event.
The University of Minnesota is not endorsing or sponsoring the activities conducted by Global Minnesota on the University of Minnesota campus. The relationship between the University of Minnesota and Global Minnesota is solely that of licensor and licensee.

Gingerbread Wonderland
2024-12-20 15:30 - 17:00 | Norway House, 913 East Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, MN, 55404
This free event is being held in-person and is open to international and globally-minded students.
Step into the Gingerbread Village and experience the magic of a delectable town built from scratch by bakers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Norway House is celebrating 10 years of its beloved community-curated gingerbread town, inspired by the world’s largest gingerbread village, “Pepperkakebyen” in Bergen, Norway.
This year’s gingerbread season promises to be extra spectacular for international college students, with free admission to the Global Minnesota party (normally a $15 ticket). We’re excited to offer students the opportunity to explore the gingerbread village, enjoy a holiday game with a chance to win Nordic gifts, and take home delicious gingerbread cookies! Spots for free admission are limited, so we kindly ask that students who register commit to attending.
Agenda:

3:30-3:45 PM: Arrival & Check-in
3:45-4:00 PM: Norway House & Norway Heritage Remarks
4:00-4:15 PM: Holiday Game & Nordic Gift Giveaway
4:15-4:45 PM: Gingerbread Wonderland Visit
4:45-5:00 PM: Voting for Winning Display & Gingerbread Cookies to Go

Thank you Norway House for their partnership on this event.
Register Here
If you have questions about event details, please contact Jo Mattos.

Urban Expedition: India
2025-01-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W, St. Paul, MN, 55102
This free event is being held in-person and is open to everyone.
Explore cultures of the world with the 2025 season of Landmark Center’s popular Urban Expedition! This year’s series begins by celebrating India. Experience the vibrancy of authentic music, food, dance, and crafts in this immersive event everyone can enjoy while learning more about the world from right here in St. Paul.
Urban Expeditions are free and open to the public.

LEARN MORE

Urban Expedition is produced by Landmark Center with sponsorship from Global Minnesota and Ecolab, the Xcel Energy Foundation, Ramsey County, Travelers, and Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation.

2025 U.S. Foreign Policy Update
2025-01-23 18:00 - 19:30 | Coffman Theater – University of Minnesota, 300 Washington Ave. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455
This event is being held in-person and virtually. In-person registration is SOLD OUT. Virtual attendance options are still available.
The premier foreign policy event of the year is back! As the “Year of Elections” draws to a close, new governments have been and will be coming to power in countries all over the world. What challenges and opportunities can we expect in U.S. foreign policy in 2025 and how will a new administration handle the complexities of today’s international landscape?
Join us for the insightful and popular U.S. Foreign Policy Update with Diplomat in Residence and career Foreign Service Officer, Tom Hanson. He will explore foreign policy developments, trends, and challenges facing the U.S. in the year ahead including the impacts of the 2024 presidential election, the continued conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the expanding influence of the BRICS consortium, and the ongoing struggle towards global peace and security.
Global Minnesota members are encouraged to bring a guest at the member rate to experience one of our most popular programs. Don’t miss your chance to stay up-to-date on the year’s most impactful developments in international relations!
Register Here
About Tom Hanson
Thomas Hanson is a former U.S. Foreign Service Officer with the Department of State whose diplomatic 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.
Mr. Hanson currently is Diplomat in Residence at the Alworth Institute for International Affairs at the University of Minnesota – Duluth and has taught diplomacy at Carleton College. He also serves as Chair of the Minnesota Committee on Foreign Relations and as Co-Chair of the Minnesota International Business Council. He is a past board member of the Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights and Director at the Institute for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (IEECA). He is also a member of the U.S. Foreign Policy Working Group of the British International Studies Association (BISA) as well as the Council of Advisers at the Museum of Russian Art and the Minnesota Peace Initiative (MPI) at Norway House.
As a member of the Great Decisions advisory committee of Global Minnesota, Mr. Hanson speaks frequently on international issues and contributes to local and international media.
Mr. Hanson holds a BA degree from the University of Minnesota and graduate degrees from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy; the Institute of Advanced International Studies in Geneva, Switzerland; and the National School of Administration (ENA) in Paris, France.
If you require an accessibility accommodation, please contact Events Manager Katie Kelley at kkelley@globalminnesota.org two weeks ahead of the event.
The University of Minnesota is not endorsing or sponsoring the activities conducted by Global Minnesota on the University of Minnesota campus. The relationship between the University of Minnesota and Global Minnesota is solely that of licensor and licensee.

Edina Great Decisions: AI & American Security
2025-01-27 16:00 - 17:30 | Edina Community Center, 5701 Normandale Rd, Edina, MN, 55424, United States
This free event is being held in-person and is open to everyone.
The Artificial Intelligence revolution is the leading edge of a larger high-tech revolution which promises to transform the world. Experts argue that international cooperation is needed to expand the opportunities these new technologies hold while protecting societies from their dangers. What are the key policy debates in this area, and what are the opportunities and limits on global AI rules of the road? How will the AI revolution impact American national security?
This program is presented by Edina Community Ed through a partnership with the Edina Senior Center, the Edina Library, the Edina Community Center, and Global Minnesota.
The Great Decisions program addresses some of the most timely foreign policy issues facing the United States each year. Global Minnesota facilitates discussion groups across the state, providing access to a roster of local foreign policy experts and offering Great Decisions books produced by the Foreign Policy Association. A limited number of discounted books are available for purchase by Global Minnesota members and groups ordering ten or more books.
Christi Siver, presenter
Christi Siver is a Professor of Political Science at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. She did her undergraduate work at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR, her Masters in International Relations and International Economics at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and her Ph.D. in political science at the University of Washington. She teaches courses on international relations and international security. Her current research interests include international humanitarian law, military technology, and comparative law.
If you would like to register, please use the button below.
Register

Podcast Episode: Global Business Outlook Q&A with John Pournoor
2025-01-29 - 2025-02-12
In December, Global Minnesota’s sold out Global Business Outlook event highlighted key international megatrends shaping the global economy from local expert John Pournoor.
On the latest episode of The Global Minnesota Podcast, hear a follow-up conversation with John featuring questions that were submitted during the event. John provides even more unique insights into the major trends impacting international business in 2025 any beyond.
Listen below, or subscribe to our podcast on all major podcast apps.

Hear untold stories of international connections by subscribing to The Global Minnesota Podcast. Now available on all podcast streaming apps!
Links
Event Recording: Global Business Outlook
Government Analytica 2025 Megatrends Report

This interview was recorded on January 20, 2025, and will be available for viewing on our Calendar of Events for several weeks. All interviews are archived on our podcast feed and in our Past Events calendar.

Edina Great Decisions: American Policy in the Middle East
2025-02-03 16:00 - 17:30 | Edina Community Center, 5701 Normandale Rd, Edina, MN, 55424, United States
This free event is being held in-person and is open to everyone.
The reignition of conflict in the Middle East has brought the region to a crossroads. War has devastated entire communities, sparked regime change, and forced regional powers to rethink their foreign policy strategies. What are the possible outcomes and how might the United States use its influence to shape a long-term resolution that leaves Israel, the Palestinians, and the wider region in a better position? How might other Arab states in the area be brought into a resolution?
This program is presented by Edina Community Ed through a partnership with the Edina Senior Center, the Edina Library, the Edina Community Center, and Global Minnesota.
The Great Decisions program addresses some of the most timely foreign policy issues facing the United States each year. Global Minnesota facilitates discussion groups across the state, providing access to a roster of local foreign policy experts and offering Great Decisions books produced by the Foreign Policy Association. A limited number of discounted books are available for purchase by Global Minnesota members and groups ordering ten or more books.
Henry Berman, presenter
Henry Berman is retired after working for 34 years at Ecolab, a global company based in St Paul. Henry has personal ties to the Middle East Region and has spent significant time there in the last decade. He has a strong interest in the ever-changing dynamics in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Henry is a member of the Council of Foreign Relations and is active in a local Great Decisions Group. He has given popular presentations throughout Minnesota on varied topics such as Saudi Arabia, Future of the Kurds, Egypt and the Arab Spring, Syrian Refugee Crisis and the U.S.- Israel relationship. Henry has a BA from Hamilton College and an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.
Register

Get To Know Global Minnesota -- Virtual
2025-02-04 12:00 - 13:00
This event is being held virtually and is open to everyone. New members and potential members are encouraged to attend.
Whether through K-12 education in Minnesota schools, global professional exchanges, grassroots discussion groups, international student initiatives, or high-level corporate roundtables, Global Minnesota offers hundreds of activities each year to people of all backgrounds across the state.
Come discover what Global Minnesota has to offer! Join a virtual open house to meet some of Global Minnesota’s staff, learn about our programming, explore ways to participate, and discover what membership is all about.
Already a member? Tune in to this webinar to refresh your knowledge of Global Minnesota and maybe learn something new.
Register Here

Great Decisions: U.S. Changing Leadership in the World Economy
2025-02-12 17:30 - 19:15 | The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis, 410 Oak Grove St, Minneapolis, 55403
This free event is being held in-person and is open to everyone. An optional dinner will start at 7:15 following the presentation. The dinner is $25 for Woman’s Club members and $30 for non-members (plus service fee and taxes).
For most of the postwar era, the U.S. has tied its global leadership to cooperative agendas aimed at creating a more open-world trading system, but that notion is increasingly being challenged. What are America’s options and opportunities as a leader of the world economy? How will strategic competition with China impact its leadership role?
This program is presented by the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis through a partnership with Global Minnesota.
The Great Decisions program addresses some of the most critical foreign policy issues facing the United States each year. Global Minnesota facilitates the statewide Great Decisions program by providing access to a roster of local foreign policy experts and to discussion materials produced by the Foreign Policy Association. Great Decisions books contain articles and materials authored by experts on each topic to provide a nonpartisan basis for understanding the important global issues of our time. A limited number of discounted books are available for purchase by Global Minnesota members and groups ordering ten or more books.
Duncan McCampbell, presenter
Duncan McCampbell is an American lawyer and professor of international business and law at Metropolitan State University in Minneapolis. He spent 14 years—much of it living abroad—with the Westlaw division of Thomson Reuters, starting new online businesses in the UK, Germany, China, Australia, Hong Kong and the Netherlands. His professional interests include globalization, international business, non-U.S. legal systems, and corruption prevention. He has served as Co-Chair of the Minnesota China Business Council, Minnesota’s oldest China business organization. He publishes frequently on global commercial, legal, political and security issues. In addition to his writing and teaching, Prof. McCampbell leads a business consultancy that helps companies enter new overseas markets. Professor McCampbell’s new book on U.S./China relations, Sunset Over China, is due to release soon.
If you would like to register, please RSVP to frontdesk@womansclub.org or click the link below.
Register
Interested in joining or starting a Great Decisions discussion group? Listen to our past podcast episode to learn how!

Present Yourself with Confidence: Tips from (Local) Global Professionals
2025-02-21 13:00 - 14:00
This free event is being held virtually and is open to international students in Minnesota.
February is a busy month with career fairs and internship applications. As international students bring unique skills and perspectives to the table, networking and self-presentation can sometimes feel intimidating. This webinar is designed to give international students the confidence they need.
Join Global Minnesota and the University of Minnesota International Careers for an empowering webinar that will connect you with three successful international professionals working right here in Minnesota.
The panelists are Global Minnesota Board Directors who were born abroad and built successful careers in Minnesota. Two of them came to Minnesota as international students. They will share their personal success stories and offer actionable advice to help international students feel more confident when interacting with employers and professionals.
PANELISTS
Uri Camarena – Principal at Somos
Gillian Morris – Principle Deal Advisory and Strategy at KPMG

Angela Schulz – Vice President of Operations Finance at Target Corporation

This event is presented in partnership with University of Minnesota International Careers.
Register Here
If you have questions about event details, please contact Jane Sitter.
This event was designed with international students in mind. Community members at Minnesota colleges and universities are welcome to attend.

Urban Expedition: Czech Republic & Slovakia
2025-02-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W, St. Paul, MN, 55102
This free event is being held in-person and is open to everyone.
Explore cultures of the world with the 2025 season of Landmark Center’s popular Urban Expedition! This year’s series continues by celebrating the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Experience the vibrancy of authentic music, food, dance, and crafts in this immersive event everyone can enjoy while learning more about the world from right here in St. Paul.
Urban Expeditions are free and open to the public.

LEARN MORE

Urban Expedition is produced by Landmark Center with sponsorship from Global Minnesota and Ecolab, the Xcel Energy Foundation, Ramsey County, Travelers, and Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation.

Baltic Briefing: Latvia in Context
2025-02-24 18:30 - 19:30 | American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, 55407, United States
This event is being held in-person and is open to everyone.
Though Latvia may be best known for its vast boreal forests and unique architecture, its position as one of Russia’s western neighbors has thrust the small Baltic country into a new spotlight. A recent announcement about Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia’s disconnection from the Russian electric grid is a big step towards energy security and has raised questions about natural resources and economic development in the region. What does the year ahead look like for the Baltic states?
Join Global Minnesota for a unique opportunity to hear directly from the Ambassador of Latvia, Elita Kuzma, on the country’s economic and geopolitical direction, including trends in national security, investment possibilities in the region, and its role in the wider relationship between NATO and Russia.
Speakers:
Ambassador Elita Kuzma
Ambassador Elita serves as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Latvia to the United States. She has also served as Ambassador to Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, and Sweden, as well as the Permanent Representative to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization.
She joined the Foreign Service of the restored Republic of Latvia in 1992, taking up a post at the Economic Cooperation Division. After that, Elita Kuzma worked at the Western Europe Division, to later become Director of the First Political Department and then Under Secretary, Head of the First Political Directorate. She has also served as Head of the Economic and Bilateral Relations Directorate, Head of the European Union Directorate, and Head of the State Protocol.
Her non-resident Ambassador accreditations include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Kosovo, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Malta, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland.
Please contact Katie Kelley at kkelley@globalminnesota.org for questions or accessibility accommodations.
Register Here

International Business Roundtable: U.S. Trade Policy and Potential Business Impacts
2025-02-25 08:30 - 10:00 | Dorsey & Whitney LLP, 50 South Sixth St., Suite 1500, Minneapolis, 55402
This event is being held virtually and in-person and is open to everyone. Registration is now CLOSED. To sign up to attend virtually, please email DorseyU@dorsey.com.
As a new administration begins in Washington, significant changes in trade policy could begin taking shape. Tariffs are increasingly invoked as a possible means to address longstanding economic and political differences among countries around the world. What are the potential trade implications of a second Trump administration and what changes could impact trade with Canada and Mexico?
Join us for a discussion about the second Trump Administration, the direction for U.S. trade policy, and how businesses can plan for imminent changes. The program will feature perspectives from distinguished diplomats from Canada and Mexico, followed by a panel discussion of leaders from the business community. In particular, the program will address the following topics:
· U.S. Government policies towards trade, including a focus on the upcoming renegotiation of the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA).
· A first look at actions the Trump administration took upon taking office, including a directive to examine U.S. trade policies and current tariff rates.
· Tips on planning for changes to tariff policy, including tariff mitigation strategies and reducing risk through compliance measures.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
Phil Hansen
President, Global Minnesota

KEYNOTES
Ambassador Iván Roberto Sierra Medel
Head Consul of Mexico in Saint Paul
Allan Edwards
Senior Trade Commissioner, Global Affairs Canada

PANEL DISCUSSION
Jessica Libby
Principal, KPMG LLP
Heather Marcaccini
Vice President, Regulatory Affairs – Global Trade Compliance/Equipment & Digital, Ecolab
Lawrence Reszetar
Director, International Business Strategy, Minnesota Trade Office
Dave Townsend
Partner, Dorsey & Whitney – Moderator
Jen West
Director, Americas Trade Operations, Medtronic

Presented in partnership with Dorsey & Whitney LLP and KPMG.
If you have questions about event details, please contact Lori Wosmek.

Culture Through Cuisine: Nikkei
2025-02-25 18:00 - 20:00 | K’kinaco, 922 Mainstreet, Hopkins, 55343, United States
This event is being held in-person and is open to everyone. This event is SOLD OUT.
After becoming the first Latin American country to establish diplomatic relations with Japan, Peru saw a significant wave of Japanese immigration. As Japanese and Peruvian cultures mixed together, new traditions arose, including Nikkei cuisine, a blending of ingredients and preparation styles between the two countries.
Join Global Minnesota at K’kinaco, Minnesota’s only Nikkei restaurant and Pisco bar for a unique Culture through Cuisine. Hear from co-owner Enrique Luis about the origins of the food tradition and experience a hand selected three course meal. You’ll also sample a hand-crafted pisco cocktail, the national spirit of Peru which is similar to brandy.
Registration includes appetizers, dinner, dessert, a cocktail or non-alcoholic beverage, and taxes and tip. Additional beverages will be available for purchase. Dinner is served as a pre-set menu, so please let us know by February 13 if you have any dietary restrictions (including if you need a vegetarian menu or non-alcoholic cocktail option).
Global Minnesota members receive discounted admission. Members are welcome to bring a guest at the member rate.
Not yet a member? Check out the many benefits of membership and join today!
Menu

Please contact Katie Kelley at kkelley@globalminnesota.org for questions, accessibility accommodations, or dietary restrictions.

Podcast Episode: 2025 Foreign Policy Update Q&A with Tom Hanson
2025-02-26 - 2025-03-12
In January, Global Minnesota hosted our most popular event, the annual U.S. Foreign Policy Update. Over 600 people registered to attend this dynamic and insightful discussion providing a comprehensive overview of global developments and trends. The evening featured an in-depth presentation from University of Minnesota – Duluth Diplomat in Residence and career Foreign Service Officer Tom Hanson. His diplomatic postings included East Germany, France, Norway, the Soviet Union, Sweden, and the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. The full event recording is available as a special Global Minnesota member benefit now, and will be released to the public at a later date.
This episode is a follow-up conversation with Tom featuring questions that were submitted during the event. We’ve compiled a wide-ranging sample of the questions to hear more of Tom’s unique insights into the major trends impacting American foreign policy in the year ahead.
Listen below, or subscribe to our podcast on all major podcast apps.

Hear untold stories of international connections by subscribing to The Global Minnesota Podcast. Now available on all podcast streaming apps!
Links
Recording: 2025 U.S. Foreign Policy Update (Coming Soon)
Podcast Episode: Great Decisions Discussion Groups
Great Decisions Discussion Groups
2025 Briefing Books
Transcript: Secretary of State Rubio Interview

This interview was recorded on February 3, 2025.

Edina Great Decisions: The Future of NATO & European Security
2025-03-03 16:00 - 17:30 | Edina Community Center, 5701 Normandale Rd, Edina, MN, 55424, United States
This free event is being held in-person and is open to everyone.
European security is more uncertain than it has been for decades. Russia has launched a war with Ukraine and America’s uncertain role as leader of NATO and security provider has been called into question. What are Europe’s options, and how might developments on both sides of Western Europe – in Ukraine and across the Atlantic – impact its choices? What are America’s stakes in NATO and Europe’s strategic dilemmas?
This program is presented by Edina Community Ed through a partnership with the Edina Senior Center, the Edina Library, the Edina Community Center, and Global Minnesota.
The Great Decisions program addresses some of the most timely foreign policy issues facing the United States each year. Global Minnesota facilitates discussion groups across the state, providing access to a roster of local foreign policy experts and offering Great Decisions books produced by the Foreign Policy Association. A limited number of discounted books are available for purchase by Global Minnesota members and groups ordering ten or more books.
Rick Olson, presenter
Rick Olson is a retired professional with a variety of educational and life experiences. He has worked as an economist, an attorney, a certified financial planner, an agricultural loan officer, an agricultural cooperative president, a State Representative in Michigan and a public-school business manager. He obtained a Juris Doctor degree from Stanford Law School and completed the coursework in two Ph.D. programs (Agricultural Economics and Education Administration).
Register

After Assad: What's Next for Syria?
2025-03-04 15:30 - 16:30
This event is being held virtually and is open to everyone. Please Note: This program will now begin at 3:30 PM (CST), rather than as originally scheduled at 4:00 PM (CST).
After 54 years in power, the Assad family in Syria was overthrown in December by rebel forces. This regime was widely regarded as one of the most repressive dictatorships in recent history. An uneasy coalition has emerged among the rebel forces with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leading the transition. With widespread sanctions still in effect and ongoing terrorism designations, Syria’s new leadership has limited international legitimacy. What conditions must be met for Syria to succeed and what geopolitical factors might hinder them?
Join Global Minnesota for a timely webinar featuring Mona Yacoubian, Vice President of the Middle East and North Africa Center at the United States Institute of Peace. She will discuss the current situation in the region and prospects for Syria’s future.
Register
About the Speaker
Mona Yacoubian is Vice President of the Middle East and North Africa Center at the United States Institute of Peace. She brings more than 30 years of experience working on the Middle East and North Africa. Her work has centered on conflict analysis, governance and stabilization challenges, and conflict prevention.
Mona joined the USIP after serving as Deputy Assistant Administrator in the Middle East Bureau at USAID from 2014 to 2017, where she had responsibility for Iraq, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. Prior to joining USAID, Yacoubian was a senior advisor at the Stimson Center focusing on the Arab uprisings with an emphasis on Syria.
She earned a M.A. in public administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and a B.A. in public policy from Duke University. Read her full bio here.

2025 High School Academic WorldQuest Competition
2025-03-12 15:00 - 18:00 | Saint Mary’s University Center, 2540 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
This event is being held in-person. High school teams are invited to participate and everyone is invited to watch!
Challenge your knowledge of international events and join the fun at our popular high school competition – Academic WorldQuest. This FREE event brings together high school students across the state of Minnesota in an exciting and interactive competition about critical issues facing the U.S. and the world. This year’s event is open to the public to view the competition!
Featuring multiple-choice questions on topics such as Space & National Security, Current Events, Borders & Boundaries, and a focus on Mexico, this competition prepares students to better understand our globally-connected world. Plus, Global Minnesota will sponsor the winning team to represent Minnesota at the national Academic WorldQuest competition presented by the World Affairs Councils of America. Hotel and airfare will be provided for the winning team.
Register a High School Team Here
Register as a Spectator Here
Competition Details

FREE to compete!
New Location: Saint Mary’s University Campus
Each high school (9-12 grade students) can register up to 2 teams of 4 students on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional teams are accepted as space allows.
Refreshments provided for game players and their school chaperones.
NEW THIS YEAR: Everyone is invited to attend and watch the championship competition.
First place team receives a championship trophy for their school and the opportunity to represent Minnesota at the national competition in Washington, D.C. in April.
Team Spirit Award: Let your spirit show with fun costumes and enthusiastic energy for a chance to win gift cards!
Access the Study Guide
Review the 2025 topics

Agenda
3:00 pm Lunch and Registration (Teams Only)
3:45 pm Spectators Arrive
3:50 pm Introduction and Welcome Remarks
4:00 pm Competition
5:30 pm Winners Announced and Photos
Questions? Please email Sylvia Oxenham, K-12 Education Manager.

Academic WorldQuest is a youth education program of the national network of World Affairs Councils. Presented in partnership with the World Affairs Councils of America.

Great Decisions: International Cooperation on Climate Change
2025-03-12 17:00 - 19:15 | The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis, 410 Oak Grove St, Minneapolis, 55403
This free event is being held in-person and is open to everyone. An optional dinner will start at 7:15 following the presentation. The dinner is $25 for Woman’s Club members and $30 for non-members (plus service fee and taxes).
The 2015 Paris Agreement established a U.N.-sponsored framework for negotiations on climate change and global warming. In subsequent meetings, experts and political leaders have come together seeking common cause for this growing global crisis. What is the future of these efforts, and what have they yielded?
This program is presented by the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis through a partnership with Global Minnesota.
The Great Decisions program addresses some of the most critical foreign policy issues facing the United States each year. Global Minnesota facilitates the statewide Great Decisions program by providing access to a roster of local foreign policy experts and to discussion materials produced by the Foreign Policy Association. Great Decisions books contain articles and materials authored by experts on each topic to provide a nonpartisan basis for understanding the important global issues of our time. A limited number of discounted books are available for purchase by Global Minnesota members and groups ordering ten or more books.
Todd Lefko, presenter
Todd is Chairperson of East-West Connections, an international non-profit focused on citizen diplomacy, and has taught over 4,400 students at the University of Minnesota and other Minnesota colleges. He has lectured at universities in Russia, Germany, China, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. He holds a BA in History, an MA in Public Administration and the coursework for a Ph. D in Urban History from the University of Minnesota.
Register
Interested in joining or starting a Great Decisions discussion group? Listen to our past podcast episode to learn how!

Edina Great Decisions: Between China, the West, and the Global South
2025-03-17 16:00 - 17:30 | Edina Community Center, 5701 Normandale Rd, Edina, MN, 55424, United States
This free event is being held in-person and is open to everyone.
China, the West, and the Global South are reshaping the world stage—but how does it affect your future? Explore the shifting dynamics of power, trade, and technology among these regions and why their relationships matter to the United States. From the impact on jobs and innovation to human rights and climate action, dive into the global ripple effects of evolving alliances.
This program is presented by Edina Community Ed through a partnership with the Edina Senior Center, the Edina Library, the Edina Community Center, and Global Minnesota.
The Great Decisions program addresses some of the most timely foreign policy issues facing the United States each year. Global Minnesota facilitates discussion groups across the state, providing access to a roster of local foreign policy experts and offering Great Decisions books produced by the Foreign Policy Association. A limited number of discounted books are available for purchase by Global Minnesota members and groups ordering ten or more books.
Andrew Latham, presenter
Andrew Latham is Professor of International Relations and Political Theory at Macalester College. Professor Latham’s primary scholarly interests are in the areas of international relations and political thought. He regularly teaches courses on international security, Chinese foreign policy, regional conflict in the Middle East, regional conflict in the Asia-Pacific, medieval political thought, U.S. foreign policy, and conservative political theory. His most recent publication is Theorizing Medieval Geopolitics: War and World Order in the Age of the Crusades. He has also published a novel about the Third Crusade entitled The Holy Lance.
Register

SDG Roundtable: In Search of Water Circularity
2025-03-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Sunrise Banks Corporate Headquarters, 2525 Wabash Ave., St. Paul, MN, 55114
This free event is being held in-person and virtually and is open to everyone. In-person registration is now closed! Virtual registration is still available.
Accessible freshwater on Earth is finite, but demand is constantly rising due to population growth and industrial use. Water circularity, the process of reusing and recycling all of the water used in a closed system, is gaining popularity even in places of water abundance such as the Netherlands. How can circularity help ensure that water demand does not exceed supply? What can we learn from other countries?
Join Global Minnesota in advance of World Water Day 2025, for our next Sustainable Development Goals Roundtable. We’ll partner with Freshwater Society, a leading Minnesota advocate for water conservation. Sunrise Banks will co-host the event. As a certified B Corp, Sunrise Banks drives social and environmental impact through ethical banking solutions.
Minnesota-based Kurita America, part of the Kurita Group headquartered in Japan, will deliver the keynote presentation. You’ll also hear from other globally-minded water experts, including Oriana Raabe, Senior Director of Sustainability at Pentair and President of the Pentair Foundation, during a panel addressing some of today’s pressing water conservation questions.
If you require an accommodation, please contact our Corporate Relations Officer Steve Jaffee at sjaffee@globalminnesota.org.
Corporate Member Resources: Open the link to see how Global Minnesota corporate members offer expertise, services, or technology that can help with your organization’s sustainability goals.
Thanks to Global Minnesota Corporate Member GF (formerly Uponor) for sponsoring this event!
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Capitol Tours & Mini-Burger Social
2025-03-21 10:45 - 14:30 | Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Saint Paul, 55155
This event is being held in-person and is open to international and globally-minded students.
Join an unforgettable Minnesota State Capitol Tour! Embark on a special tour of the Minnesota State Capitol, led by former Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie. With his vast experience and deep knowledge, Mark will guide you through the Capitol’s rich history, sharing insider stories and behind-the-scenes insights. From stunning architecture to key moments in Minnesota’s history, this tour offers a unique look at the state’s political heart.
Afterward, we’ll walk to White Castle, just around the corner, for some mini-burgers (sliders) and social time. Enjoy delicious, small bites*, relax, and mingle with other globally-minded students in a fun, casual atmosphere. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect, share stories, and make new friends over tasty sliders.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to explore the Capitol through the eyes of a true insider and connect with other students at an iconic American fast food spot.
*Due to menu restrictions no dietary accommodations can be made – please bring cash or credit if you would like to purchase a beverage or additional food.
Agenda:
Tour 1

10:30 – 10:45 AM: Arrival at the State Capitol and Check-In with Global Minnesota
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM: Guided Tour by Former Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Richie
12:15 PM – 12:25 PM: Quick Break
12:25 – 1:25 PM: Walk to White Castle for Social Time & Slider + Fries Tasting

Tour 2

11:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Arrival at the State Capitol and Check-In with Global Minnesota
12:15 – 1:30 PM: Guided Tour by Former Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Richie
1:30 – 1:40 PM: Quick Break
1:40 – 2:40 PM: Walk to White Castle for Social Time & Slider + Fries Tasting

If you have questions about event details, please contact Jo Mattos at jmattos@globalminnesota.org.
Register
This event is limited to 30 spots due to tour capacity. Please RSVP only if you can commit to attending and make this event a priority by blocking off time on your calendar. Community members at Minnesota colleges and universities are welcome to attend.

Urban Expedition: Guatemala
2025-03-30 13:00 - 15:00 | Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W, St. Paul, MN, 55102
This free event is being held in-person and is open to everyone.
Explore cultures of the world with the 2025 season of Landmark Center’s popular Urban Expedition! This year’s series continues by celebrating Guatemala. Experience the vibrancy of authentic music, food, dance, and crafts in this immersive event everyone can enjoy while learning more about the world from right here in St. Paul.
Urban Expeditions are free and open to the public.

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Urban Expedition is produced by Landmark Center with sponsorship from Global Minnesota and Ecolab, the Xcel Energy Foundation, Ramsey County, Travelers, and Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation.

Great Decisions: American Policy in the Middle East
2025-04-09 17:00 - 19:15 | The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis, 410 Oak Grove St, Minneapolis, 55403
This free event is being held in-person and is open to everyone. An optional dinner will start at 7:15 following the presentation. The dinner is $25 for Woman’s Club members and $30 for non-members (plus service fee and taxes).
The reignition of conflict in the Middle East has brought the region to a crossroads. War has devastated entire communities, sparked regime change, and forced regional powers to rethink their foreign policy strategies. What are the possible outcomes and how might the United States use its influence to shape a long-term resolution that leaves Israel, the Palestinians, and the wider region in a better position? How might other Arab states in the area be brought into a resolution?
This program is presented by the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis through a partnership with Global Minnesota.
The Great Decisions program addresses some of the most critical foreign policy issues facing the United States each year. Global Minnesota facilitates the statewide Great Decisions program by providing access to a roster of local foreign policy experts and to discussion materials produced by the Foreign Policy Association.
Henry Berman, presenter
Henry Berman is retired after working for 34 years at Ecolab, a global company based in St Paul. Henry has personal ties to the Middle East Region and has spent significant time there in the last decade. He has a strong interest in the ever-changing dynamics in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Henry is a member of the Council of Foreign Relations and is active in a local Great Decisions Group. He has given popular presentations throughout Minnesota on varied topics such as Saudi Arabia, Future of the Kurds, Egypt and the Arab Spring, Syrian Refugee Crisis and the U.S.- Israel relationship. Henry has a BA from Hamilton College and an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.
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Interested in joining or starting a Great Decisions discussion group? Listen to our past podcast episode to learn how!

Career Goal Setting for International Student Success
2025-04-10 12:00 - 13:00
This free event is being held virtually and is open to international students in Minnesota.
Looking for practical tips and advice on how to set realistic professional goals?
Join Global Minnesota for an interactive workshop designed to help international students set and achieve their career goals. This engaging event features two global speakers who will share their professional insights. The session includes a hands-on goal-setting activity, followed by a Q&A to ask questions and gain valuable advice. Don’t miss this opportunity to take actionable steps toward your future success!
This event is presented in partnership with University of Minnesota International Careers.
Register Here
If you have questions about event details, please contact Jane Sitter.
This event was designed with international students in mind. Community members at Minnesota colleges and universities are welcome to attend.

Spotlight on Ireland with Consul General Cahalane
2025-04-10 18:00 - 19:15 | Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, 301 19th Ave. S, Minneapolis, 55454
This event is being held in-person and is open to everyone. This event is now AT CAPACITY. If you previously registered and can no longer attend, please email Katie Kelley at kkelley@globalminnesota.org
From shared agricultural foundations to current economic goals and prospects, Ireland and Minnesota have more in common than a similar population size and GDP. Influences of Irish heritage in dance studios, music venues, and art galleries are found across the state, while expanding financial ties continue to deepen these connections. What’s next for this growing partnership?
Join Global Minnesota and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs for a lively conversation with the new Consul General of Ireland in Chicago, Brian Cahalane. Consul General Cahalane brings years of foreign ministry experience to his role and will broadly discuss Ireland’s trade and political goals, as well as the importance of Irish ties to the Midwest. The conversation will be moderated by Professor Eric Schwartz, Chair of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs Global Policy Area.
About the Speaker:
Consul General Brian Cahalane
Consul General Cahalane was appointed Consul General to the Midwestern United States in September 2024. He joined the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs in 1992, serving in the Development Cooperation Division. Since then, he has served in numerous roles, including at the Permanent Representation to the European Union in Brussels and policy advisor to the National Parliament. His work also includes time at the United Nations headquarters in New York and the Irish Embassy in Washington D.C.
Before joining the Foreign Service, Consul General Cahalane worked in the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. He is a graduate of the University of Galway in Banking & Finance and the Institute of Public Administration. The eldest of seven children, he was born in Dublin, and grew up in both Dublin and Galway.
Moderator: Professor Eric Schwartz
Professor Eric Schwartz is Chair of the Humphrey School’s Global Policy Area. Schwartz previously served as Dean of the Humphrey School, and worked for five years as President of Refugees International. He has also served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration, Senior Director at the National Security Council at the White House, and Special Assistant to the President for Multilateral and Humanitarian Affairs.
He holds a law degree from New York University School of Law; a Master of Public Affairs degree from Princeton University; and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York at Binghamton.
Please contact Katie Kelley at kkelley@globalminnesota.org for questions or accessibility accommodations.

Urban Expedition: Venezuela
2025-04-13 13:00 - 15:00 | Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W, St. Paul, MN, 55102
This free event is being held in-person and is open to everyone.
Explore cultures of the world with the 2025 season of Landmark Center’s popular Urban Expedition! This year’s series continues by celebrating Venezuela. Experience the vibrancy of authentic music, food, dance, and crafts in this immersive event everyone can enjoy while learning more about the world from right here in St. Paul.
Urban Expeditions are free and open to the public.

LEARN MORE

Urban Expedition is produced by Landmark Center with sponsorship from Global Minnesota and Ecolab, the Xcel Energy Foundation, Ramsey County, Travelers, and Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation.

Edina Great Decisions: International Climate Change Cooperation
2025-04-21 16:00 - 17:30 | Edina Community Center, 5701 Normandale Rd, Edina, MN, 55424, United States
This free event is being held in-person and is open to everyone.
The 2015 Paris Agreement established a U.N.-sponsored framework for negotiations on climate change and global warming. In subsequent meetings, experts and political leaders have come together seeking common cause for this growing global crisis. What is the future of these efforts, and what have they yielded?
This program is presented by Edina Community Ed through a partnership with the Edina Senior Center, the Edina Library, the Edina Community Center, and Global Minnesota.
The Great Decisions program addresses some of the most timely foreign policy issues facing the United States each year. Global Minnesota facilitates discussion groups across the state, providing access to a roster of local foreign policy experts and offering Great Decisions books produced by the Foreign Policy Association.
Todd Lefko, presenter
Todd is Chairperson of East-West Connections, an international non-profit focused on citizen diplomacy, and has taught over 4,400 students at the University of Minnesota and other Minnesota colleges. He has lectured at universities in Russia, Germany, China, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. He holds a BA in History, an MA in Public Administration and the coursework for a Ph. D in Urban History from the University of Minnesota.
Register
Interested in joining or starting a Great Decisions discussion group? Listen to our past podcast episode to learn how!

Great Decisions Conference: India's Rising Influence
2025-04-24 09:45 - 12:45 | Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55401, United States
This event is being held in-person and is open to everyone.
With a population of nearly 1.5 billion and a GDP of $3.5 trillion U.S. Dollars, India’s influence on the global stage is rapidly rising. As the nation marks its 75th anniversary of independence this year, the world’s largest democracy stands at a unique crossroads between China, the West, and the Global South. How could India’s status as an emerging global powerhouse and its non-aligned role impact the course of international affairs?
Global Minnesota is excited to announce the return of the Great Decisions foreign policy conference! Designed to elevate the conversation around key global issues, this free half-day event will focus on India’s dynamic rise in world affairs and what it means for Minnesota. The event will feature in-depth sessions on topics such as “India’s Rising Star,” “The Role of Women in India’s Labor Movement,” and “Nuclear Proliferation and the Influence of the Quad.” Dr. Satu Limaye, Vice President of the East-West Center in Washington, D.C., will deliver a keynote presentation on the rising prominence of India in geopolitics. Join the conversation with leading local and national experts on this important and timely topic.
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Thank you to the Foreign Policy Association for sponsoring this event.
Agenda
9:45 am
Welcome by Phil Hansen, President, Global Minnesota
Introduction: India in Context
Ned Downie, Analyst and Researcher, Princeton University

10:20 am
Keynote: India’s Rising Star
Dr. Satu Limaye, Vice President, East-West Center
Session 1: India’s Societal Landscapes: Women’s Education and Workforce Participation
Anjuli Cameron, CEO, SEWA-AIFW
Aashraya Seth, Humphrey Fellow, Impact91 Founder
Session 2: The Unilateral Impulse: The Quad and Nonproliferation
Dr. Raymond Kuo, Director & Senior Political Consultant, RAND

12:40 pm
Program Concludes/ Great Decisions Networking
View Speaker Bios
