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