Technology is often credited with shrinking the world, but commerce, education and human relationships have been quietly doing the same work for decades. Global engagement is no longer an abstract concept reserved for diplomats and multinational corporations; it is a practical economic reality shaping jobs, supply chains and community prosperity here in Lancaster County and across Pennsylvania.

Lancaster County is often celebrated for its rolling farmland, family-owned dairies and a work ethic rooted in generations of agricultural and manufacturing excellence. What is less visible, but no less real, is how deeply our local prosperity is tied to global partnerships that stretch far beyond Pennsylvania’s borders.

Sustained economic growth in the 21st century depends on strong, trust-based partnerships among people, businesses and nations. Every dimension of global sustainability in food security, workforce development, public health and climate resilience rests on our ability to understand other cultures, recognize shared interests and collaborate across borders.

We are, quite literally, knitting together a smaller and more interdependent world each day.

A compelling example of this interdependence can be found in the economic relationship between central Pennsylvania and my country of birth, Ghana. Pennsylvania’s confectionery industry employs more than 10,000 workers across more than 200 companies, anchored by the Hershey Co., whose global success remains firmly rooted in our region.

Ghana supplies roughly 25% of the world’s cocoa, making it the second-largest producer globally. That means the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of small-scale Ghanaian farmers are directly connected to manufacturing jobs, dairy farms, transportation networks and retail businesses here in Pennsylvania.

This trans-Atlantic relationship is not symbolic; it is economic reality. Cocoa farming supports approximately 800,000 small-scale farmers and represents the backbone of Ghana’s agricultural economy. Because cocoa can grow only within a narrow tropical belt, disruptions to production — whether from climate change, disease or labor instability — have global consequences.

What happens in Ghana’s cocoa fields does not stay there; it directly affects the cost, availability and stability of chocolate production in Pennsylvania and beyond. Protecting and understanding these international supply chains is not charity but rather sound economic self-interest.

Lancaster County’s global reach extends well beyond chocolate. CNH Industrial, headquartered in New Holland, is one of the world’s leading agricultural equipment manufacturers. For more than a century, CNH has demonstrated how innovation rooted in local communities can drive global food security.

From family farms in Pennsylvania to cocoa-growing regions in Ghana, American agricultural technology plays a vital role in increasing productivity, improving sustainability and strengthening rural economies worldwide.

These shared interests were underscored recently when I had the opportunity to host a discussion at Millersville University between state Sen. Scott Martin and Victor Emmanuel Smith, Ghana’s ambassador to the United States.

Our conversation focused on expanding economic partnerships between central Pennsylvania and Ghana, particularly in agriculture, trade and workforce development. We noted striking similarities between Ghana’s agricultural regions and Lancaster County, not only as economic engines, but as pillars of community identity, rural livelihoods and food security.

Lancaster County remains one of the most productive agricultural regions in the nation, generating nearly $2 billion annually from approximately 5,200 family farms. With globally connected companies such as Hershey and CNH, and a long tradition of agricultural innovation, central Pennsylvania has much to contribute to the global economy.

At the same time, our region depends on reliable international partners for raw materials, markets and shared expertise. Global engagement, therefore, is not a departure from local values but rather an extension.

To sustain these partnerships, we must invest intentionally in people. The economic networks of tomorrow will be built by business, civic and educational leaders who understand global systems and appreciate cultural differences. Equally important is a workforce equipped with international awareness, technical skills and the ability to collaborate across borders.

This is where higher education plays a critical role. Our students must be prepared to succeed in an interconnected world shaped by global markets, international supply chains and diverse work environments. Through globally infused curricula, experiential learning, internships and study-abroad opportunities, universities help students develop cultural competence, adaptability and problem-solving skills that employers increasingly demand.

Global learning should not be treated as an optional enrichment experience for a few students. It must be a core element of a well-rounded and holistic education. When students understand how local actions connect to global challenges — whether in food systems, public health or economic development — they are better prepared to contribute meaningfully to their professions and communities.

Recent global crises ranging from pandemics through food insecurity to climate-driven disasters have underscored a simple truth: the most pressing challenges of our time do not respect geographic boundaries. Preparing students to navigate this reality is not only an educational responsibility; it is an economic imperative.

By strengthening global partnerships, such as those between Pennsylvania and Ghana, and by educating students who can operate confidently within them, we secure a more resilient, prosperous future for Lancaster County, the commonwealth and the world we share.

Daniel Wubah, Ph.D., is the 15th president of Millersville University.


Celebrating Black history — this month and through the year — as others try to erase it [column]

Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.

Error! There was an error processing your request.