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As part of Global Minnesota’s K-12 Education Programs, Academic WorldQuest engages the next generation of global leaders, preparing them to thrive in and actively shape their globally connected future. Students are challenged to think about the global and local implications of international events by answering a series of multiple choice questions on a variety of foreign affairs topics. They are inspired to continue applying this knowledge and passion as they go forward in the world. Global Minnesota held the statewide Academic WorldQuest competition this past March at the Mall of America, where the team from Mounds View High School won the championship.
On this episode, hear from John, Alicia, Jaiesh, and Josiah, of the winning Mounds View team. They recently returned from the national competition in Washington, D.C. and talked about Academic WorldQuest, their trip to D.C., and how this competition helps prepare them to live in an increasingly global world.
 
Links
Academic WorldQuest
2024 Competition Press Release

Global Minnesota offers a wide-range of programs in our mission to advance international understanding and engagement in Minnesota. Our efforts include major public events with international dignitaries, grassroots foreign policy discussion groups, K-12 education programs, international student outreach, and international Professional Exchanges. Overseeing all of these various programs is Global Minnesota’s Program Director.
On this episode, hear from Erin Hart, who started as Global Minnesota’s Program Director back in January. Her career spans several tours as a Foreign Service Officer, as well as leadership positions at several nonprofit organizations in Minnesota. She joined to talk about her experiences, the various programs under her supervision, and what to expect from Global Minnesota throughout this year.
Links
Erin Hart in Oman (Beginning at 1:17)
Kabul City Initiative
Global Minnesota Events
Professional Exchanges
Discussion Groups
K-12 Education Programs

The world seems to be entering a renewed period of global instability. From ongoing and emerging conflicts around the world to the evolving dynamics of great power competition, how can we navigate a course through some of the most pressing issues facing the international community today?
Hear an enlightening presentation featuring Fiona Hill, former presidential advisor on Europe and Russia and Brookings Institution Fellow, as she delves into the intricacies of today's foreign policy landscape. Drawing from her extensive experience and insightful analysis, Hill offers a valuable overview of the dynamic nature of international relations, highlighting the interconnectedness of global events and the implications for U.S. foreign policy.

Ambassador Andrei Sannikov might be most well-known for his vocal criticism of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, but the exiled politician is also an accomplished author, human rights advocate, and negotiator. As a former Deputy Foreign Minister of Belarus, what insights can he provide on the strategic alliance between Belarus and Europe?
Hear a special presentation from Ambassador Sannikov, where he explores the complicated and tight-knit relationship between President Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and what their relationship means for the greater question of security in Eastern Europe and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The State Department has a growing number of career tracks and entry points for a variety of professionals. Diplomats in Residence are available to answer questions and share insight with those interested in joining the State Department.
On this podcast episode, hear from the Diplomat in Residence for the Midwest region, Susan Falatko. She talks about her time in the foreign service, the Diplomat in Residence program, and how to get a job in the Foreign or Civil Service.
Links
State Department Careers
Talent Network Sign Up

The world's water challenges seem to be getting worse. Water scarcity has become acute in some parts of the world, while floods and storm surges occur with greater frequency in others. Businesses are watching closely to make sure their own water needs are met sustainably. Even the Land of 10,000 lakes has had challenges with overuse of groundwater in recent dry years. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are designed to tackle some of the world's largest development problems, so what can we learn from best practices for sustainable water use around the globe? What can international companies tell us about how and where they're implementing potential solutions?
Hear the recording of our Sustainable Development Goals Roundtable from March 21. We partnered with Global Minnesota Corporate Member Cargill to learn about the work companies are doing to advance sustainable water use.
Keynote Speaker
Heather Tansey, Vice President of Environmental Sustainability, Cargill
Additional Speakers
Martin Bureau, VP Innovation & Head of PFAS Centre of Excellence, Altra Sanexen
Anna Picchetti, Vice President of Marketing and Strategy, Uponor North America