Welcome to the 2016-2017 Global Minnesota annual report. We invite you to explore it, share it, and encourage others to engage.

In it, you will learn that the support of so many built global connections, understanding, and engagement in Minnesota and beyond last year. Highlights include welcoming 500 international visitors, hosting 70 public events, fostering 3,600 hours of cross-cultural learning with school-age children, and facilitating 298 global discussion group meetings.

Thank you to our members, supporters, partners, and volunteers for the countless ways you help make Minnesota global.

Global Minnesota 2016-17 Annual Report

This month’s Star Tribune Global Minnesota commentary, by editorial writer John Rash, discusses the rising power of China, our 2017-18 focus country, and a 2018 Great Decisions topics.

China rises, including to top of 2018 ‘risk list’

The Honorable Ahmed D. Hussen, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, spoke to an at-capacity crowd at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs during a recent visit to Minnesota. His presentation focused on Canada’s measured approach to immigration and refugee resettlement policies, including plans for a gradual increase in immigration over the next three years. He also met with resettlement agency staff and other advocates, and members of the local Somali community. Minister Hussen’s visit was presented in partnership with the Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

Media Coverage

Canada’s immigration minister to speak at U of M – MinnPost

Canada’s immigration minister warns against illegal crossings at Minnesota’s northern border – Star Tribune

Canadian Official Touts Two-Pronged Approach to Immigration Policy During Humphrey School Visit – Humphrey School News

Photo credit: Bruce Silcox, courtesy of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs

Check out this month’s Great Decisions coverage by Star Tribune editorial writer John Rash as he details the quandary facing the Trump Administration as it seeks to curb nuclear proliferation in Iran and North Korea.

Star Tribune

Credit: JOHN OVERMYER, Newsart

Welcome to the 2015-2016 Global Minnesota annual report. We invite you to explore it, share it, and encourage others to engage.

In it, you will see that nearly 600 activities engaged people from around the world – from the 2^nd grader to the CEO –  in intercultural learning. And that the valuable support of so many is helping connect, inform, and engage Minnesotans with the world.

We deeply appreciate the thousands of ways our members, supporters, partners, and volunteers help make Minnesota global.

Global Minnesota 2015-16 Annual Report

This month’s Great Decisions coverage by Star Tribune writer John Rash discusses the dispute between Qatar and four nations led by Saudi Arabia during a time of instability and transition in the region.

Gulf diplomatic strife engulfs Al Jazeera, too

Photo credit: Malak Harb – Associated Press 

This month’s Great Decisions coverage by Star Tribune writer John Rash highlights the impact the French elections will have on the future of Europe.

A French election with continental consequence

Photo credit: Eric Feferberg – Pool Photo via AP 

In the latest Star Tribune Global Minnesota editorial, writer John Rash interviews Ambassador of Colombia Juan Carlos Pinzón during his visit to Minnesota.

Colombia makes the case for foreign-policy resolve

Credit: Ricardo Mazalan, Associated Press

In its latest issue, the Minnesota Women’s Press highlighted our Professional Exchanges program and mission to create global citizens right here in Minnesota.

Global citizen diplomats

In the latest Star Tribune Global Minnesota editorial, writer John Rash discusses presidential pressure on press freedom.

The international impact of Trump’s ‘enemy’ tweet

Photo: Journalist Roxana Saberi spoke before former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton received the Liberty Medal during a ceremony at the National Constitution Center on Sept. 10, 2013.

Credit: Matt Rourke, Associated Press

The Star Tribune highlighted Global Minnesota and Inter-American Dialogue President Michael Shifter’s recent visit to Minnesota in an editorial on the diplomatic relations between Washington and Latin America.

Why the U.S. shouldn’t alienate Latin America

Photo: U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was welcomed by Mauricio Ibarra Ponce de Leon, North America director of Mexico’s foreign ministry, and U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Roberta Jacobson as he arrived in Mexico City

Credit: Rebecca Blackwell, Associated Press

In our recent commentary published by the Star Tribune, Global Minnesota President Carol Engebretson Byrne and Program Director Tim Odegard discuss why international exchanges and diplomacy matter, and how the new travel restrictions announced by the Trump administration impact our Professional Exchanges program.

Travel restrictions impeded important bridge-building

Photo: Yezidi activist, gynecologist, and International Women of Courage award recipient, Dr. Nagham Nawzat Hasan from Iraq, poses with a Minnesota second grader at one of Global Minnesota’s programs.

This month’s Great Decisions coverage by Star Tribune writer John Rash highlights the upcoming 2017 Great Decisions topics and discusses how closely they reflect the uncertain and challenging geopolitical landscape.

2017’s geopolitics may turn even more turbulent

Photo credit: Barrie Maguire/NewsArt

Star Tribune editorial writer, John Rash, reflects on the future of U.S.-Canada relations – including trade, immigration, and human rights – and the Canadian view of America’s election.

A Canadian view of America’s election

Photo credit: Justin Tang , Canadian Press via AP

Star Tribune writer Evan Ramstad highlights the important panel discussion on labor force trends and economic impacts of immigration, during our ninth annual Great Decisions Conference: International Migration and the Changing Face of America.

Labor force trends suggest Minnesota will need more immigrants, experts say

This month’s Star Tribune coverage by John Rash on Great Decisions topic International Migration discusses “Madaya Mom,” a new online comic book from Marvel that brings a new perspective — and a new audience — to the serious subject of war.

There are many stories like “Madaya Mom,” since millions have been displaced during Syria’s descent. Some cover the global migration crisis convulsing countries and even continents, which will be among the topics at our Great Decisions Conference on international migration and the changing face of America.

‘Madaya Mom,’ Marvel’s super Syrian hero

This month’s Star Tribune coverage by John Rash on Great Decisions topic the United Nations, is perfectly timed with the start of the international organization’s annual General Assembly.

Slated agenda items include resolutions on human rights, disarmament, and transnational challenges of drugs, crime, and terrorism. But not on the roster are surveillance issues, which might get a second look with the recent release of “Snowden.”

Will ‘Snowden’ renew the surveillance debate?

In the latest Global Minnesota Great Decisions Star Tribune editorial, writer John Rash highlights our August summit on peacebuilding approaches to countering extremism and reflects on the state’s stake in international issues.

Minnesota-based institutions, individuals can be key to countering extremism

Photo credit: American Refugee Committee

In this month’s Global Minnesota Star Tribune editorial, writer John Rash takes a closer look at the record number of people around the globe forced from their homes and sets the stage for our fall Great Decisions conference on international migration.

Pressure is needed to keep Kenyan refugee camp open

Photo credit: Associated Press