Forging connections across continents, Global Minnesota’s World Affairs Events and Professional Exchanges Programs joined forces to host both the Consul General of Ukraine and a delegation of Ukrainian medical professionals this past week.

Amid the backdrop of ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, an intrepid delegation from Ukraine met with administrators and medical professionals at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center to discuss innovations in treating polytrauma. The delegation also volunteered with the nonprofit MATTER, packing medical supplies for underserved communities, and visited Wellspring Health Center to discuss outpatient physical therapy. A series of meetings with local Ukrainian-American nonprofit Protez Foundation, which provides state of the art prosthetics, training, and care, deepened community ties and learnings to heal Ukrainians who have suffered devastating war injuries. Thanks to the Open World Program for their support in bringing this delegation to Minnesota.

Thanks to a partnership with the Morningside Edina Rotary Club, Minnesota’s hospitality was on full display as the delegation stayed with Global Minnesota and Rotary member home hosts throughout the week. Enjoying traditional Ukrainian food at locally-owned Kramarczuk’s, the visitors and restaurant staff talked long into the evening. Even the Minnesota Twins welcomed this inspiring delegation by posting a message on the jumbotron during a game they attended.

Meanwhile, Global Minnesota brought together a full house for an impassioned conversation with the Consul General of Ukraine on the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe at the Humphrey School. Consul General Koledov outlined the difficult situation facing Ukraine and highlighted Minnesota’s important role in helping Ukrainians here and abroad.

“Everyone can help Ukraine and the Ukrainian-American relationship.”– Consul General Koledov

The attentive audience asked numerous questions about the psychological impacts of the war, the efforts of European nations to broker peace, and progress toward Ukraine’s European Union membership.

The Consul General and the Ukrainian medical delegation met at the end of the week for a heartfelt farewell reception at the Protez Foundation. Featuring invited guests from meetings held throughout the week, home hosts, and others connected with this visit, the group shared a meal and exchanged personal stories of hardship and healing.

This remarkable visit encapsulates the best that Global Minnesota has to offer, establishing lifelong connections, informing local audiences, and bringing people together to tackle some of the most difficult challenges facing the world today. Thank you to all who attended and supported this extraordinary endeavor. A special thank you goes out to Global Minnesota’s Professional Exchanges Manager Karen Baumgaertner, World Affairs Events Manager Katie Kelley, and Interim Program Director Melisa Gildner for another wonderful example of the types of programs they are creating every month.

Visits like these could be completely halted if the currently proposed FY26 federal budget is passed. Act now to restore funding to current levels.

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MAY 14, 2025 UPDATE

Our Professional Exchanges program brings together professionals from around the world to share ideas, best practices and build relationships with their Minnesota counterparts to create a brighter, more prosperous and thriving future. The currently proposed FY26 federal budget would slash funding for this program by almost 95%. This would cut off major funding for one of Global Minnesota’s six main program areas. Program Exchanges are a cost-efficient way to effectively build and strengthen Minnesota’s vital economic, academic, social, and cultural connections with hundreds of skilled professionals from over 100 countries annually, fostering opportunities for knowledge exchange with emerging international leaders.

We urge you to act now by contacting your elected officials to make your voices heard. Our national affiliate, the national Global Ties network, has created several pre-written messages to easily email your senators and representative. Every voice counts in the effort to keep Minnesota connected with the world.

Thank you for supporting our shared vision of a globally-engaged world.

Act Now

APRIL 2, 2025 UPDATE

Global Minnesota shares the concerns of many in the community regarding the impact of recent federal changes on internationally-focused nonprofits. As a committed nonpartisan organization working to advance international understanding and engagement, Global Minnesota recognizes the incredible value these local organizations, national affiliates, and international partners bring to Minnesotans and to millions of people around the world.

Global Minnesota offers numerous programs to connect Minnesota with the world. As a result of federal changes, our Professional Exchanges program has faced significant disruption, preventing us from showcasing to the world the incredible companies, organizations, skilled professionals, and hospitality for which Minnesota is known. Here is a quick summary of the impact on our work and how you can help.

What is the Situation?

Our Professional Exchanges program connects experts in a wide variety of fields from all over the world to Minnesota to discuss best practices and find shared solutions to global problems. Global Minnesota receives important funding from the U.S. Department of State to implement many of these exchanges. In February, the State Department initiated a 15-day funding freeze, which remains in effect. As a result, exchanges involving dozens of visitors have been cancelled, disrupting important conversations and impacting the financial capacity of Global Minnesota.

What is the Impact?

Professional exchanges are an indispensable way to make friends for our country, strengthen relationships with foreign nations, build business and investment opportunities, and expose our citizens and young people to other ways of life. This past year, Global Minnesota welcomed over 400 international visitors from 128 countries, connecting them to over 200 Minnesota organizations and businesses. These visits provide significant economic benefits to Minnesota, creating $1.7 million in local economic impact in 2023 alone. The average visit generates $11 in local economic activity for every $1 spent at the federal level.

Why Does it Matter?

Minnesota has a long and proud tradition of welcoming international visitors to showcase the best of our state to the world. Impacted programs like the International Visitor Leadership Program and the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative have been a cornerstone of diplomacy, making friends abroad by familiarizing future foreign leaders with the United States and giving them opportunities to meet and work with American counterparts. The focus on person-to-person connection is a testament to the understanding that citizen diplomacy forges the strongest bonds across global divides. These connections open doors abroad for new investment and other opportunities for Minnesota businesses. They help prepare our young people for the world they will have to grapple with in years to come. Taken together, these exchanges make our country safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

How Can You Help?

We encourage you to continue the work of person-to-person diplomacy and engage with Global Minnesota by attending events, serving as dinner hosts, participating in discussion groups, and making space to share global connections. Global Minnesota is committed to inspiring thoughtful conversations around foreign affairs. We hope you will join us for upcoming programs that help our community better understand the global diplomatic, cultural and societal impacts of federal government changes.

Now is the time to support one or more of the internationally engaged, Minnesota-based organizations that you care about. Global Minnesota is especially grateful for the unwavering support of our members and donors. Now, more than ever, we need your help. Please consider an additional gift to support Global Minnesota through this time or consider showing your support by joining us for our annual gala on May 31. Help us continue to bring the world to Minnesota and share the best of Minnesota with the world.

Donate Here

Attend the Gala

For nearly 75 years, Global Minnesota has worked to ensure that Minnesota is a welcoming place for international visitors and students. Help us continue to fulfill our founding motto, “They came as strangers, may they leave as friends.”

MINNEAPOLIS, MARCH 13, 2025 – Students from Mayo High School won Wednesday night’s statewide global knowledge competition, Academic WorldQuest, hosted by local nonprofit Global Minnesota. Nearly 30 high school teams from across Minnesota participated in the event. This annual competition challenges high school students to think globally about critical issues facing the U.S. and the world. Global Minnesota will sponsor the students from Mayo High School to participate in the national tournament in Washington, D.C. in April.

“I’m profoundly proud of how the team performed today. The competition was really difficult and they worked through some very challenging questions as a team. We’re excited to advance to the national tournament to represent Minnesota.”

— Christopher Carter, Rochester Mayo High School Team Advisor

This high-energy global knowledge competition rivaled any high school basketball tournament for its excitement and enthusiasm. Nearly thirty high-school teams of four students each answered a series of multiple-choice questions on international topics including NATO, Space and National Security, Current Events, and Critical Minerals in Africa. Teams joined from across Minnesota, with a team from Mounds View High School taking second place and a team from Grand Rapids High School taking third place. A team from St. Paul Central High School was awarded the “Team Spirit” award for their high-energy enthusiasm and friendly competitive spirit.

Team Advisor Christopher Carter was interviewed earlier in the day on WCCO radio about his experience preparing the team for Academic WorldQuest. You can listen to the full interview here.

Local Rochester news outlets KTTC and the Post Bulletin also covered this exciting story. Read the KTTC article here and the Post Bulletin article here.

More team photos and video available on our Facebook gallery here.

In December 2024, Global Minnesota brought a delegation of 10 Indigenous leaders from Chile to Minnesota, as part of the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program. They were in the U.S. to explore strategies that merge environmental sustainability with economic empowerment for Indigenous-led businesses. This delegation was part of a single-country project titled “Promoting Environmental Sustainability in Indigenous-Led Small Businesses.”

The visiting leaders, representing various Indigenous communities from Chile, aimed to learn how U.S. Indigenous communities integrate traditional knowledge, cultural values, and modern practices to foster sustainable economic growth. Global Minnesota was proud to showcase Minnesota’s Indigenous expertise with a packed itinerary featuring insightful exchanges, visits to innovative businesses, and discussions with thought leaders.

The State Department opened the program in Minnesota. Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Patrice Kunesh provided a thoughtful keynote on the successes and challenges of Native American businesses in the U.S. Following the keynote, the group enjoyed an opening lunch at Owamni by The Sioux Chef, an Indigenous restaurant showcasing pre-colonial North American cuisine. Later in the week the visitors were able to visit Owamni’s North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems Indigenous Food Labs, which connects Native agriculture to broader markets while revitalizing traditional foodways. In addition the delegation also met with representatives from the Minnesota Indigenous Business Alliance and the Mni Sota Fund, who shared frameworks for supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs through financial resources, cultural practices, and community partnerships. Finally the group connected with small business owners including the Eagle and Condor Native Wellness Center at Indigenous Roots and Minnesota Representative Jamie Becker Finn’s business Makwa Coffee.

Throughout the program, the Chilean and local leaders delved into how Indigenous enterprises can combat climate change, create resilient value chains, and uplift their communities. These experiences in Minnesota offered an opportunity to share practical tools, networking opportunities, and inspiration to adapt these approaches in their home countries.

This initiative exemplified the International Visitor Leadership Program’s mission to build bridges and foster global collaboration, empowering emerging leaders to create sustainable, culturally grounded futures in their communities.

Press Release: Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Visits Minnesota

 

MINNEAPOLIS, JUNE 25, 2024 – Molly Phee, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, traveled to Minnesota to participate in several events on June 24 & 25, held by local nonprofit Global Minnesota. As the nation’s top official in charge of U.S. policy towards Africa, Assistant Secretary Phee had a particularly important message to share with Minnesota given the state’s large and vibrant African diaspora community.

Assistant Secretary Phee spoke at a free public event last night hosted by Global Minnesota. Held at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, U.S. Policy in Africa with Assistant Secretary of State Molly Phee discussed the intricacies of the current approach to U.S.-Africa relations. Assistant Secretary Phee also shared her experiences building bridges of understanding and economic prosperity with people across Africa. Minnesota’s significant and vibrant African diaspora added to the importance and relevance of understanding this crucial relationship.

The event featured a fireside chat conversation with Molly Phee moderated by former Humphrey School Diplomat-in-Residence Mary Curtin. After her initial remarks, the conversation continued with a robust discussion of American foreign policy in Africa featuring audience questions and comments.

Earlier in the day, Assistant Secretary Phee met with Minnesota’s cohort of Mandela Washington Fellows, a prestigious group of 25 emerging leaders from 19 countries throughout Africa. They will also be featured at a public event with Global Minnesota on July 10. She also met with Global Minnesota Corporate Member Land O’ Lakes and their international development arm Venture37 to share their work in Africa.

Watch the recording below!

Listen on the go with our podcast recording!

This month, former presidential advisor on Europe and Russia and Brookings Institution Fellow Fiona Hill visited Minnesota to speak at a public event on April 18 and share her insights into the intricacies of today’s foreign policy landscape.

Dr. Hill began her visit as the featured speaker at Dinner with Diplomats, which is a special event reserved for sponsors of the upcoming Global Minnesota Gala on May 18. The next day, she visited the Ukrainian-American Community Center to meet with their board members and discuss the importance of supporting Ukrainians both here in Minnesota and abroad. Her visit concluded with a public fireside chat conversation with Global Minnesota Board Chair Ambassador Ross Wilson. She also took questions from the at-capacity audience in the Minneapolis Central Library.

Her timely visit occurred as congressional officials in Washington, D.C. debated important foreign aid bills for the Indo-Pacific region, Israel, and Ukraine. Her public discussion and media interviews with KARE11 and the Star Tribune sought to highlight the domestic impacts of international issues.

KARE11 Interview

Star Tribune Article

Watch the public event recording below.

Listen on the go with our podcast recording.

Photo credit: John Kaul

This month, journalists and broadcast professionals from the Edward R. Murrow program visited local Minnesota news agencies to understand U.S. press freedoms, illustrate how new technologies shape the news, examine how media influences and reflects American society, and demonstrate the influence of social media and digital technologies. These emerging professionals traveled from Bulgaria, Iraq, Kuwait, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Tunisia as part of the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program.

Global Minnesota members were among the first to welcome these visitors by providing home-cooked meals as part of our Home Hospitality dinner hosting. They began their professional exchange experience the following day with back-to-back meetings at Hamline University with local news outlets MinnPost and Pioneer Press. An overcast day overshadowed their potential view of the solar eclipse during lunch at Malcom Yards, but they soon returned to Hamline for a discussion with journalism students. The following day included a conversation with University of Minnesota journalism professors, followed by an amazing tour of the KARE11 news studio. This trip included “speed networking” with many of KARE11’s top editors and producers, followed by a chance to sit in-studio during a live broadcast of the 5:00pm news.

On their final day, they toured WCCO Radio and participated in a live interview about their experience. Their last major stop was with Sahan Journal, where they learned about Sahan’s focus on underrepresented communities in Minnesota. The trip closed with a joyous Eid dinner as many of the participants marked the end of the month of Ramadan. In all, the visit sparked numerous insights and innovations into how people from across the world can promote a free press and better reflect their societies.

See photos and news highlights below!

WCCO Interview

Hamline Oracle Article

MINNEAPOLIS, MARCH 14, 2024 – Students from Mounds View High School won last night’s statewide global knowledge competition, Academic WorldQuest. Over 30 high school teams from across Minnesota participated in the competition at Mall of America. Local nonprofit Global Minnesota hosted this annual competition that challenged high school students to think globally about critical issues facing the U.S. and the world.

“Last night, over 120 of Minnesota’s most globally-minded students demonstrated an amazing wealth of knowledge about important international topics and world events. Teams from across the entire state brought excitement, camaraderie, and team spirit to this event.”

— Phil Hansen, Global Minnesota President

This high-energy global knowledge competition rivaled any high school basketball tournament for its excitement and enthusiasm. Thirty high-school teams of four students each answered a series of multiple-choice questions on international topics including NATO, Sports Diplomacy, Current Events, and International Fun Facts. Teams joined from across Minnesota, with the Edina High School and Grand Rapids High School teams taking second and third place respectively. Mayo High School was awarded the “Team Spirit” award for their “Monkey Business” theme featuring students dressed as bananas, monkeys, and a businessperson with a suitcase of bananas. The students from Mounds View will advance to the national tournament and win an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. in April. Listen to their interview on WCCO Radio here.

See the full standings here.

2024 Competition Photos

In February, Global Minnesota’s Professional Exchange program hosted 16 young European leaders from 14 different countries. These impressive emerging professionals learned about a wide variety of current U.S. social, political, and economic issues and discussed ways to resolve similar issues in their home countries and communities. They met with Austin, Minnesota community leaders and engaged in a series bi-partisan meetings with Rep. DeMuth & Rep. Finke and of the Minnesota State House and Senator Duckworth of the Minnesota State Senate. The ideas exchanged showed how common ground can be found to create communities that are welcoming and prosperous.

Check out photos and local media coverage of this important international exchange visit.

Participant Bios

Thanks to the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program for their support in facilitating this program. 

European leaders receive a Minnesota-welcome lesson — KAAL TV News

European leaders stop in Austin to learn diversity strategies — KIMT TV News

A chance to exchange ideas, European leaders visit Austin — Austin Daily Herald

 

 

 

 

 

 

Global Minnesota is deeply saddened by the tragic events unfolding in and around Israel and Gaza this past week and strongly condemns the appalling terrorist attacks committed by Hamas. It is difficult to witness the horrific loss of innocent lives and the suffering of the survivors across the region whose lives have been torn apart.  We grieve for the lives lost and for the families impacted. As an organization dedicated to bringing people together, it is all the more painful to watch events which continue to divide people.

As we confront the pain and division of the past and present, we must maintain our resolve to see a different future. We remain committed to the idea that citizen to citizen diplomacy and connections can advance understanding and provide a pathway forward for peace and dignity in our world.

Please consider supporting these organizations which are providing aid to the area:

The Carter Center

Doctors without Borders

International Committee of the Red Cross

Save the Children

In mid-March, Global Minnesota had the honor of welcoming five prosthetics experts from Ukraine for professional exchanges in Minnesota. Global Minnesota worked with the Congressional Office for International Leadership to set up meetings with local organizations like Century College, the Mayo Clinic, and the nonprofit Protez Foundation.

In case you missed it, hear Global Minnesota president Phil Hansen discuss the professional exchanges program in a recent interview on MPR’s Minnesota Now program. Global Minnesota was also highlighted in a recent article by the White Bear Press.

Global Minnesota is proud to welcome these visitors and help make Ukraine and its people whole once more.

Photo credit: Global Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS, March 7, 2023 – High school students from Edina High School were named champions of Global Minnesota’s statewide Academic WorldQuest international knowledge competition on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, and will now advance to the national tournament in Washington, D.C.

Academic WorldQuest is a nationwide knowledge competition that challenges high school students to think globally about critical issues facing the U.S. and the world. Students participate by answering a series of multiple-choice questions on international topics. Nearly 30 high school teams from a dozen schools across the state engaged in a battle of wits to answer questions on this year’s topics including: Climate Change, The New Space Race, and current events. Minnesota’s statewide competition was held in both a virtual setting and in-person at the Mall of America, a co-sponsor of this year’s event.

Edina Team A took home the top prize. Their team will represent Minnesota at the national competition in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the World Affairs Council of America. The competition takes place on April 29, 2023, with all expenses covered by Global Minnesota. Team members are Raja Chinnakotla, Emma Brenner, and Katerina Duda, along with their team’s teacher sponsor Theresa Kingsbury.

Nova Classical Academy Team A and Rochester Mayo Team D came in second and third place respectively.

Global Minnesota’s president, Phil Hansen, remarked, “Every year, these students demonstrate an amazing wealth of knowledge about important international topics and world events. Teams from across the entire state brought excitement, camaraderie, and global understanding to tonight’s event. Their interest and commitment is an inspiration for the next generation of global leaders.”

Teams participated from cities such as Apple Valley, Burnsville, Edina, Grand Rapids, Osseo, Minneapolis, Rochester, and St. Paul.

Global Minnesota has connected, informed, and engaged Minnesotans and international visitors for over 70 years. The organization brings the world to Minnesota through public events, K-12 education programs, professional exchanges with international visitors, and grassroots foreign policy discussion groups. Global Minnesota is proud to serve as the Minnesota coordinator for Academic WorldQuest in partnership with the World Affairs Councils of America.

Visit www.globalminnesota.org/education/high-school-programs/academic-worldquest/ for team standings and competition photos.

Photo credit: Global Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS, October 14, 2022 – Local nonprofit Global Minnesota announced today that Phillip Hansen has been selected as its new President following a nationwide and international search. Earlier this week, the organization’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve his selection with an anticipated November start date.

Phil Hansen has been a leader in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years, most recently as the Regional Executive for the American Red Cross in Minnesota and the Dakotas. He has decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, financial development, effective program-building, and as a presenter and organizational champion. He has developed successful relationships with business and community groups to support global projects and programs, presented to foreign delegations, and advocated in support of international disaster relief, health, and resiliency programs. Phil is committed to the core values of Global Minnesota and to strengthening its impact.

“My Board colleagues and I are excited and grateful that Phil has agreed to apply his decades of commitment to public service in our community to help grow and develop Global Minnesota and its role in the state,” said Board Chair Ambassador Ross Wilson.

“The caliber of the candidates for the presidency was impressive, a reflection of the high regard for the organization and talent in the field, “remarked Doctor Patricia Simmons, Chair of the Presidential Search Committee and Board member.  “We are enthusiastic to have Phil join and lead the exceptional Global Minnesota team who give life to our mission.”

Following the retirement of Mark Ritchie as President earlier this year, Global Minnesota’s Search Committee worked with CohenTaylor Executive Search Firm to identify, recruit, and interview highly qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds including the nonprofit, diplomatic, global philanthropy, business, and education sectors. The collaborative effort with CohenTaylor will continue through the onboarding process as Hansen formally joins the organization next month.

“It’s a privilege to be invited to serve in the President’s role and to have the opportunity to collaborate with our many globally-minded members and partners here and around the state.  I’m grateful for the work accomplished by Mark Ritchie, the talented staff, and the engaged Board and look forward to building on all they have achieved.”

Global Minnesota has connected, informed, and engaged Minnesotans and international visitors for over 70 years. The organization brings Minnesota to the world and the world to Minnesota through public events, K-12 education programs, professional exchanges with international visitors, and grassroots foreign policy discussion groups.

Phillip Hansen LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-hansen-0856296/

MINNEAPOLIS, April 20, 2022 – Global Minnesota announced that plans are underway for the retirement by President Mark Ritchie before the end of 2022.  Throughout his career, Ritchie has championed Minnesota’s heritage as one of the world’s most globally minded places, working tirelessly to ensure a warm welcome for people from every corner of the planet. Ritchie led Global Minnesota through the challenges of the pandemic, transforming program delivery with new digital tools that expanded the organization’s work of connecting Minnesotans to the world, and the world to Minnesota.

“It has been my honor to lead this wonderful organization,” explained Ritchie. “Throughout my life I’ve been passionate about all things international.  Global Minnesota’s mission, ‘Advancing international understanding and engagement’ gave me the opportunity to pursue my lifelong passion for deepening people-to-people connections worldwide. For over 70 years, Global Minnesota has been one of our nation’s premier World Affairs Councils. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help expand Global Minnesota’s worldwide recognition for excellence in thought-leadership and effective action on a wide range of issues – from food security and climate, to deepening people-to-people relationships and advancing the Global Goals for Sustainable Development.”

Under Ritchie’s leadership, Global Minnesota has welcomed hundreds of international visitors – from Heads of State and diplomats to international students and business leaders – as the US State Department’s partner hosting our nation’s official guests visiting Minnesota.

Global Minnesota has also expanded its educational programs with timely events on international affairs including expert presentations and global symposia for World Food Day, International Day of Education, World Health Day and International Day of Persons with Disabilities. These have drawn thousands of participants to engage in global topics statewide and around the planet. Retired Ambassador Ross Wilson, Chair-elect of Global Minnesota’s Board of Directors, noted that “Global Minnesota’s events and programming maintain the highest standards of fact-based information and timely analysis of global events. Their work is invaluable to keeping Minnesota engaged with the world.”

Global Minnesota’s Board of Directors has begun the process of choosing a successor. Board Chair Martha (Muffy) MacMillan commented, “Mark’s transformative leadership during this period of great uncertainty has created a strong future for Global Minnesota. He is truly a citizen diplomat at his core. We wish Mark all the best in the next chapter of his life, knowing he will remain globally engaged. The organization will continue its excellent work and build on Mark’s success under new leadership.”

Photo credit: Global Minnesota

In the latest Star Tribune Great Decisions editorial, writer John Rash discusses the internal repression of information in Vladimir Putin’s Russia following the outbreak of war in Ukraine.

He also highlights Global Minnesota’s recent event on Russia’s Goals In Europe with former CNN Moscow bureau chief Jill Dougherty.

Putin’s Propaganda Hurts The World, But Harms Russia Most – Star Tribune, March 18, 2022