Peace Programs at Norway House
Minnesota Peace Initiative
The semiannual programs of MPI draw in experts from all over the world, MPI has engaged the public with some of the most urgent topics of our time.
Topics have included: global conflicts, the role of social media in political discourse, the impact of climate change, artificial intelligence as a security issue, and threats to the world’s food supply. Janet Dolan founded MPI with topics that are plucked right out of the news of the day.
Spring Forum
Are We Ready for the Silver Tsunami?
The Global Population Shift:
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Populations around the world are aging at an unprecedented rate as birth rates decline and life expectancy rises, creating a profound demographic shift often called the “silver tsunami.” Join the next Minnesota Peace Initiative event to explore what this transformation could mean for economies, healthcare systems, workforce development, benefit programs and social stability—and whether our societies are prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Guest Speakers:
Dr. Susan Brower is the Minnesota State Demographer and directs the MN State Demographic Center. Susan became the State Demographer in February 2012. In that capacity, she travels the state talking with Minnesotans about the new social and economic realities that are brought about by recent demographic shifts. Susan's work applies an understanding of demographic trends to changes in a range of areas including the state's economy and workforce, education, health, immigration and rural population changes.
Susan joined the State Demographic Center after working as a researcher on the Minnesota Compass project at Wilder Research in St. Paul. Prior to that, she worked at the Population Studies Center at the University of Michigan.
Susan earned her Ph.D. in sociology at the University of Michigan, specializing in demography and family sociology. She also holds a master's degree in public policy from Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
Kent Lee, CEO of East View Companies (full bio coming soon)
Dr. Luke Pardue, Policy Director of Aspen Institute Economic Strategy Group (full bio coming soon)
Dr. Nicholas Eberstadt, Henry Wendt Chair in Political Economy at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) (full bio coming soon)