Greenland at a Crossroads: A Conversation with Rufus Gifford

Against the backdrop of renewed attention on U.S.-Denmark relations and Arctic security, Nordic Northwest and the Scan Design Foundation will welcome former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Rufus Gifford for a special fireside conversation on Monday, October 12, at Nordia House. The event comes just weeks after the United States, Denmark, and Greenland signed a new agreement aimed at strengthening Arctic and North Atlantic security.

Greenland at a Crossroads: A Conversation with Rufus Gifford will offer audiences an opportunity to hear firsthand perspectives from a career spanning diplomacy, public service, civic engagement, and U.S.-Nordic relations.

Gifford served as U.S. Ambassador to Denmark from 2013 to 2017, where his work included addressing climate change, strengthening international coalitions, and advancing clean-energy initiatives. For his service, he was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark.

He later served as Chief of Protocol of the United States with the rank of Ambassador from 2022 to 2023. Earlier in his career, Gifford held senior roles in Democratic presidential campaigns and at the Democratic National Committee, including serving as finance director for President Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign and as deputy campaign manager for Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign.

Throughout his career, Gifford has spoken about public diplomacy, civic participation, international cooperation, and his efforts to make government and diplomacy more accessible to the public.

Tickets

General Admission: $30

Member Admission: $25

Student: $26 (Must present valid high school or college student ID upon admittance)

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