The right response to the coronavirus is global engagement, just like after World War II

Liz Schrayer, President and CEO of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, was featured in the USA Today Opinion section for her op-ed about the choices America faces in a post-COVID-19 world and the importance of international engagement.

The right response to the coronavirus is global engagement, just like after World War IIMay 10, 2020, USA Today

Photo credit: Themba Hadebe, Associated Press

A Commitment to You and to Advancing International Understanding

During these challenging times of physical distancing, Global Minnesota is committed to keeping you informed, connected, and engaged with the world. We’re thinking about you, your families, and the important connections you may hold to others across the globe.

We also remain steadfast in our mission to advance international understanding and engagement. And while our programs may look a little different at the moment, we are continuing to build bridges rather than barriers as we create a world that is safe for all.

Thank you for your support and shared commitment in our work.

A Message from Global Minnesota President Mark Ritchie

A Message from Global Minnesota Regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus)

At Global Minnesota, our valued members, partners, volunteers, and employees are at the heart of what we do. That’s why we want to share how Global Minnesota is working to help keep our constituents healthy and safe during the novel COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.

We are closely tracking communication from federal and local health agencies to make sure we stay up-to-date and monitor the situation. Based on official health guidance and in an effort to do what we can to help keep our community safe and healthy, we have canceled or postponed some Global Minnesota-hosted events. However, several of our programs will move online and be offered in a digital format. We hope you will join us for the important global conversations we have coming up. Visit our Calendar of Events for more information.

You can also visit our Past Events page for online content from previously held events.

As the COVID-19 situation evolves, we will continue to communicate with you on the status of future events and how to best keep our Global Minnesota community safe. Thank you for your partnership during this unprecedented time and your continued commitment to cultural exchange.

More information about COVID-19 can be found on MDH’s Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) website. MDH has set up a COVID-19 public hotline that is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. The hotline number is 651-201-3920.

 

A Courageous Woman’s Search For Her Abducted Husband Marches On

Pioneer Press writer Rubén Rosario sat down with 2020 International Women of Courage awardee Susanna Liew from Malaysia to learn about her courageous story and work in fighting for religious freedom.

Susanna is one of this year’s 12 recipients of the U.S. State Department’s International Women of Courage Awards and is honored for her selfless dedication to fight on behalf of members of religious minorities who have disappeared in Malaysia or face persecution for their beliefs. She has endured police harassment and death threats, but has never stopped actively pursuing justice, including on behalf of her husband Christian pastor Raymond Koh, who was abducted in 2017.

A Courageous Woman’s Search For Her Abducted Husband Marches On

Trump administration taps Minnesota native to lead U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan

Star Tribune reporter Kelly Smith writes about the Trump administration’s decision to tap Global Minnesota Board Chair and Minnesota native Ambassador Ross Wilson to lead the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan at a critical time as the U.S. negotiates a peace agreement.

Trump administration taps Minnesota native to lead U.S. Embassy in AfghanistanStar Tribune

Read the full press release regarding Ambassador Wilson’s transition.

Global Minnesota Board Chair Ross Wilson Named to Lead the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan

Ambassador Ross Wilson has taken a leave from his role as board chair of Global Minnesota to accept a request by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to lead the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, at a critical time for that country and the region.

For nearly four decades, career diplomat Wilson represented the United States Foreign Service at home and abroad. He served as U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan in 2000-03 and to Turkey in 2005-08. In 2014 Ambassador Wilson was called back to government service as head of mission and chargé d’affaires in Turkey and again in the Republic of Georgia in 2018-19. Last week, he was sworn back into the U.S. Foreign Service and takes over from John Bass at our Kabul embassy.

“Afghanistan is an extraordinarily challenging, but also very consequential assignment and I am honored by the trust and confidence that Secretary of State Pompeo and the Department of State have placed in me,” Wilson said.

“At Global Minnesota, we work to advance international understanding and engagement. We were founded on the twin principals of public and citizen diplomacy. Ambassador Wilson’s return to public service exemplifies his personal and professional commitment to the importance of diplomacy. We are extremely proud to have been led by Ambassador Wilson whose experience in international relations is unmatched,” said Mark Ritchie, Global Minnesota President. “We wish him the best in his new assignment and know that he will make every effort to bring peace to the region.” Global Minnesota board vice chairs, Martha (Muffy) MacMillan, philanthropist and Cargill Foundation Director, and Thea Keamy, Senior Vice President for Corporate Strategy and Business Development at Land O’Lakes, Inc. will provide leadership until an interim chair is named.

Read Full Announcement


Media Mentions

2018-2019 Annual Report

Looking back at 2018-19, we are enormously proud of what we – together with members, donors, supporters, and partners – accomplished and the momentum we’ve created to shape our future and the future of our great state.

Covering Brazil to Vietnam and 109 countries in between, our programs engaged more than 22,000 in learning about the world. We deeply value the support of so many who made these connections possible.

Please read and share the annual report, and learn how your support and participation are helping shape Global Minnesota’s future.

2018-19 Annual Report – Shaping the Future

The world fails to save Syria’s citizens

In the latest Great Decisions Star Tribune editorial, writer John Rash discusses the crisis in Syria with Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the United Nations Secretary-General, who was in Minnesota for a visit hosted by the United Nations Association of Minnesota, Global Minnesota, and Citizens for Global Solutions.

The world fails to save Syria’s citizens – Star Tribune

Photo: Hussein Malla, Associated Press

Global Minnesota connects cultures with Neveln students

In September, Classroom Connection and World Cultures Day returned to Austin, Minnesota for a day of cultural exchange and learning. Global Minnesota international volunteers from Ethiopia, Ghana, Japan, Pakistan, and Tunisia spent the afternoon with students from Neveln Elementary School and Sumner Elementary School. From a lesson on how to greet each other in Urdu, the national language of Pakistan, to passing around special garments that the Tunisian people wear, students learned more about the world and the different people who live in it.

Global Minnesota connects cultures with Neveln students

Photo credit: Austin Daily Herald

Somalia’s foreign minister says diaspora playing key role in rebuilding country

Mshale reporter, Cynthia Simba, covered Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ambassador Ahmed Isse Awad as he spoke about Somalia’s emergence from years of civil war and the progress attained thus far, during his recent visit to Minnesota.

Somalia’s foreign minister says diaspora playing key role in rebuilding country

A rebounding Somalia is ready to welcome back those who left, ambassador says

During his visit to Minnesota, Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Ahmed Isse Awad spoke with Star Tribune reporter Greg Stanley about Somalia’s growing economy and need for skilled workers and investment as the country rebuilds.

A rebounding Somalia is ready to welcome back those who left, ambassador says