Utke Joins 25th Anniversary International Legislators’ Forum in South Dakota

A Milestone Year for Cross-Border Collaboration
Sen. Paul Utke recently represented Minnesota as a legislative delegate at the 25th Anniversary International Legislators’ Forum (ILF), held September 9–12, 2025, in Deadwood, South Dakota. The four-day event marked a quarter-century of dialogue and partnership among policymakers from Manitoba, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota — a collaboration that began in 2001 and continues to strengthen regional ties across borders.

“This was a great milestone gathering that provided a unique opportunity to engage with folks across borders and political parties, allowing us all to discuss shared challenges and forward-thinking solutions,” said Utke. “This cross-border collaboration is necessary to move our state forward on issues such as research, energy, and agriculture. There’s so much we can learn from our neighboring states, and I look forward to continuing the work with ILF in 2026.”

Highlights from the 2025 Forum
The 25th anniversary gathering offered a robust agenda centered on collaboration, innovation, and regional problem-solving. Key sessions and events included:

• Sanford Underground Research Facility Tour – Delegates explored the world-class scientific research taking place beneath the Black Hills. The visit highlighted advancements in physics and earth sciences that have implications across North America.
• Agricultural Trade and Global Markets Presentation – Agricultural economist Joseph Janzen from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign led a discussion on how producers across borders can better navigate international trade challenges. The session emphasized cooperative approaches to strengthen market opportunities while addressing regulatory and logistical barriers.
• Keynote: “Working Across Differences” – Former South Dakota state representative and Sisseton-Wahpeton tribal member Tyler Tordson delivered a compelling address on building understanding between cultural, personal, and political divides. His message underscored the importance of listening and respect in policymaking — principles that define the ILF’s mission.

Showcasing Regional Strengths
In celebration of its 25-year legacy, the forum featured special showcases from each jurisdiction, offering attendees a chance to experience the unique industries, tourism, cultures, and histories of Manitoba, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. From agricultural innovation to cultural preservation, the presentations highlighted how cross-border partnerships can amplify shared goals.

The event concluded with a look toward the future, as delegates reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on key policy areas such as agriculture, energy, environmental stewardship, and trade. The 2026 International Legislators’ Forum will be hosted in North Dakota.

A Legacy of Partnership and Problem-Solving
Since its inception in 2001, the International Legislators’ Forum has served as a model for how regional cooperation can lead to practical solutions that transcend borders. Over the past two and a half decades, legislators have worked together on issues ranging from water quality and energy policy to rural economic development and emergency management.

By fostering open dialogue among neighboring jurisdictions, the ILF has helped reduce barriers, promote mutual understanding, and encourage evidence-based policymaking. It remains one of the few consistent cross-border initiatives between U.S. states and Canadian provinces that focuses exclusively on legislative collaboration.

About the Consensus Council
The International Legislators’ Forum is convened by the Consensus Council, a North Dakota–based nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating dialogue, resolving conflict, and advancing the public good. The Council’s work centers on helping leaders and communities find common ground through collaboration and consensus-building — principles that have guided the ILF’s success for 25 years.

As Sen. Utke reflected, “There’s tremendous value in working together to solve problems that don’t stop at state or national borders. These conversations are how we build a stronger future — not just for Minnesota, but for the entire region.”