
The Event

The Great Disruption:
AI and Global Insecurity in the
21st Century
2026 Global Peace Forum
November 18–19, 2026
Norway House
913 E Franklin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Keynote Speaker:
Thomas Friedman
Foreign Affairs Columnist for The New York Times
Thomas Friedman is the bestselling author of The World is Flat and New York Times foreign affairs columnist. He is renowned for his direct reporting and accessible analysis of complex issues shaping the world. According to Foreign Policy magazine, “Friedman doesn’t just report on events; he helps shape them.” The winner of three Pulitzer Prizes, he has covered monumental stories from around the globe for The New York Times since 1981. With clear and compelling language, Friedman discusses the opportunities and challenges that “accelerations,” including technology and connectivity, present. He also explores solutions — on a local and global level — to ensure the future of work, skills, income, and prosperity.
He has written seven books since 1989 that have sold 10 million copies in 40 different languages. They include From Beirut to Jerusalem, The Lexus and the Olive Tree, The World is Flat and, most recently, his latest bestseller, Thank You for Being Late: An Optimist’s Guide to Thriving in the Age of Accelerations, in which Friedman offers a blueprint for overcoming the stresses and challenges of a world being transformed by technology, globalization, and climate change.
Friedman was featured in Showtime’s climate change documentary series Years of Living Dangerously, executive produced by James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Panel Discussions
Details coming soon…
Conference Schedule
November 18 — Welcome Event
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Cocktail Hour
- Welcome from Janet Dolan and Paul Jackson
- Short Introductions of Key Constituents
- Speakers and Panelists
- Conference Planning Committee
- MPI and Norway House Invited Guests
- Invited Donors
- Preview Conference Program – “The Great Disruption: AI and Global Insecurity in the 21 Century”
- Share Expectations and Timeline with Everyone for Tomorrow
- Adjourn
- Guests Sleep at Minneapolis Club
November 19 — Conference Program Day
Venue: Norway House
| 8:00 – 8:45 a.m. | Continental Breakfast |
| 8:45 – 9:00 a.m. | Welcome and Purpose of the Conference – Janet and Paul |
| 9:00 – 9:35 a.m. | Keynote Speaker – Tom Friedman |
| 9:35 – 10:00 a.m. | Question and Answer Session Moderated by Janet Dolan |
| 10:00 – 10:30 am. | Break |
| 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. | Panel Session #1 |
| 11:45 – 12:00 p.m. | Transition to Lunch |
| 12:00 – 1:15 p.m. | Buffet |
| 1:15 – 1:45 p.m. | Panel Session #2 |
| 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Panel Session #3 |
| 2:45 – 3:15 p.m. | Youth Panel #4 – Thomas Friedman participates with 2 panelists to provide a 30-min reaction to his keynote speech |
Post Conference Networking and Happy Hour with Special Guests (TBD)
3:45 – 5:00 p.m.
- Networking Session and Happy Hour with a Special Guest yet to be determined
- Debrief of the Event – Planning Committee, Speakers who stay, and GPF Leaders
- Closing message to GPF team from Janet Dolan
