Sen. Paul Utke (R-Park Rapids) recently served as a legislative delegate at the 25th Anniversary International Legislators’ Forum (ILF), held September 9–12, 2025, in Deadwood, S.D. The forum brought together delegates from Manitoba, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, continuing a tradition of cross-border collaboration that began in 2001.

“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 of the 2025 anniversary Forum included:

• Sanford Underground Research Facility Tour – exploring world-class science beneath the Black Hills.

• Presentation on Agricultural Trade and Global Markets – by Joseph Janzen, agricultural economist at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, focusing on cross-border producers and international market opportunities and challenges.

• Keynote on Working Across Differences – by Tyler Tordson, former South Dakota state representative and Sisseton-Wahpeton tribal member, offering tools to bridge cultural, personal, and political divides.

The anniversary Forum also featured showcases from each jurisdiction, highlighting the industry, tourism, cultures, and history of each state or province. Utke joins the Consensus Council in celebrating the 25-year legacy of the International Legislators’ Forum and looks forward to continued collaboration across the region. The 2026 Forum will be hosted in North Dakota.

The International Legislators’ Forum is convened by Consensus Council, a North Dakota-based nonprofit organization that facilitates conversations and builds agreements to empower people, transform communities, and advance the public good. For more information about the International Legislators’ Forum, visit www.agree.org/legislators-forum/.