European Leaders Inspired by Austin's Inclusivity
A German politician, a mayor from Estonia, and an ambassador from Andorra are among the international leaders immersed in the welcoming ethos of Austin as they explore ways to replicate the Texan city's success in creating inclusive communities.
Gemma Cano, representing Andorra and working as both a diplomat and ambassador, expressed pride in participating in the program dedicated to community development. She joined fellow European leaders in Austin to glean insights from local pioneers on fostering a welcoming environment for immigrants and refugees.
Phillip Hansen, President of Global Minnesota, emphasized the significance of Austin's accomplishments, stating, "It’s actually quite amazing. It’s a wonderful representation of how to build a really strong, vibrant community, and they are sharing that with the rest of the world right now."
Cano commended Austin for successfully navigating the complexities of community-building with immigrants, acknowledging it as a challenging feat in Europe.
"In this city, you have achieved something that’s very difficult to do in Europe, which is to build a community with all the immigrants that have come here for work," she remarked.
Facilitated by Global Minnesota, a non-profit organization dedicated to international engagement, the delegation collaborated with the U.S. State Department and the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce to arrange the visit. Phillip Hansen highlighted the positive impact of the initiative, providing an opportunity for Minnesotans to showcase their state's strengths and values on the global stage.
“The great thing we are doing here is giving Minnesotans the opportunity to share the best of Minnesota with the world. And when these delegation members go home, they go home with a positive feeling of what it is we are doing here in Minnesota and what Americans are all about," said Hansen.
The European leaders engaged with representatives from Hormel and city leaders, delving into discussions on housing, jobs, culture, and the essence of Austin. This collaborative exchange not only strengthens global connections but also reinforces Austin's commitment to being a model for inclusive community development on the world stage.
