How Cisco is Driving Global Impact Through AI, Cybersecurity & Digital Inclusion
As Cisco's Executive Vice President and Chief Officer for People, Policy, and Purpose, Francine Katsoudas plays a key role in directing some of the company's most significant initiatives—benefiting employees, partners, customers, and communities worldwide.
With Cisco deeply committed to driving positive global change, her role carries substantial responsibility—particularly as the company reflects on its impact over the past 40 years while looking ahead to the future.
Following her recent participation at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, we spoke with Francine about Cisco’s latest Purpose Report, the company’s new "40 Communities" initiative aimed at uplifting underserved regions, and its dedication to fostering both technological and societal resilience across the globe.
Examining Global Trends and Key Industry Shifts
One of the most dominant forces shaping the industry and the world today is artificial intelligence. Across various sectors, there is growing confidence in AI’s ability to transform industries and communities. A major theme at WEF this year was AI’s role in driving growth, making it central to conversations around resilience and an interconnected future. AI is no longer just about productivity—it is evolving into a tool that enhances lives, organizations, and nations while also bridging the digital divide.
However, AI must go hand in hand with cybersecurity. The necessity for AI-driven security, as well as security measures for AI itself, has reshaped how Cisco approaches this technology. Many companies are now prioritizing not just the advancement of AI but also safeguarding their people and operations in the digital space.
Key Takeaways from Cisco’s Purpose Report
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Cisco has always been about fostering connections. The Purpose Report highlights how, in this era of AI and rapid global shifts, the company remains committed to using its technology and workforce to create meaningful impact—not only for business success but also for societal progress. The increasing need for collaboration between public and private sectors to tackle urgent global challenges underscores Cisco’s mission.
The report includes impressive milestones that reflect Cisco’s influence. For instance, the Networking Academy has provided technology training to over 24 million students since its launch in 1997. Additionally, in the past year, 86% of Cisco employees participated in community service—a remarkable achievement that demonstrates a strong culture of giving back.
Defining Resilience in a Digital Age
Traditionally, resilience is considered at an individual or corporate level. However, Cisco takes a broader perspective, examining resilience from a community standpoint. The company believes that resilience is about transforming challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth. In today's interconnected world, secure and reliable connectivity plays a crucial role in achieving this.
Cisco aims to create a lasting impact beyond its 40-year legacy by fostering resilience through sustainable and scalable solutions. The company’s approach is built on forming strong relationships, investing in communities, and supporting inclusive development worldwide.
Addressing Disparities in Global Resilience
Resilience levels vary significantly across regions. One major challenge is that 2.6 billion people worldwide still lack internet access, with connectivity costs disproportionately high in economically disadvantaged nations. Cisco is actively addressing this issue through initiatives like the Rural Broadband Innovation Center in North Carolina, which focuses on bridging the digital divide.
Cybersecurity as a Cornerstone of Resilience
With global cybercrime losses projected to exceed $10 trillion this year, security is an essential aspect of connectivity and resilience. Cisco has long focused on facilitating secure connections, ensuring that expanding internet access does not expose users to cyber threats. Cybercrime affects economies worldwide, with some regions losing up to 10% of their GDP to digital threats. Strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure is crucial to building a more resilient and interconnected global community.
Cisco’s 40 Communities Initiative
Having reached its ambitious goal of positively impacting one billion people ahead of schedule in 2023, Cisco is now setting its sights on its next major initiative: supporting 40 communities worldwide over the next decade. By leveraging its Resilient Ecosystem Framework, the company seeks to understand and address each community’s unique needs—whether in governance, economic development, or societal support.
The Role of Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) Program
Cisco’s CDA initiative plays a pivotal role in the 40 Communities project by bringing together industry, government, and academic leaders to drive digital transformation. Through initiatives such as EDGE Incubation Centers—spaces equipped with Cisco’s technology to foster innovation—CDA has been instrumental in connecting people with digital skills and employment opportunities, particularly in regions like Africa.
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, CDA has made a significant impact across 50 countries by forming strategic partnerships with governments and non-profits. The initiative continues to tackle global challenges such as cybersecurity and sustainability while narrowing the digital divide.
Accelerating Momentum for the Future
As Cisco moves forward, it plans to harness both established and emerging technologies to enhance government services, including healthcare, education, and transportation. Security remains a priority, ensuring that connectivity efforts are safeguarded against cyber threats. The selection of the first communities to participate in the 40 Communities initiative is currently underway, and Cisco employees are expected to play an integral role in this mission.
The Power of Collaboration Beyond Cisco
While Cisco employees will be central to the success of the 40 Communities initiative, the company recognizes the importance of global collaboration. The discussions at WEF reinforced the need for cross-sector partnerships to address the world’s most pressing issues. Public-private partnerships will be vital in achieving sustainable progress, and Cisco is committed to working alongside governments, businesses, and non-profits to support the most vulnerable communities.
By fostering resilience and digital inclusion, Cisco aims to create lasting, positive change, ensuring that technology serves as a force for good across the world.
With Cisco deeply committed to driving positive global change, her role carries substantial responsibility—particularly as the company reflects on its impact over the past 40 years while looking ahead to the future.
Following her recent participation at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, we spoke with Francine about Cisco’s latest Purpose Report, the company’s new "40 Communities" initiative aimed at uplifting underserved regions, and its dedication to fostering both technological and societal resilience across the globe.
Examining Global Trends and Key Industry Shifts
One of the most dominant forces shaping the industry and the world today is artificial intelligence. Across various sectors, there is growing confidence in AI’s ability to transform industries and communities. A major theme at WEF this year was AI’s role in driving growth, making it central to conversations around resilience and an interconnected future. AI is no longer just about productivity—it is evolving into a tool that enhances lives, organizations, and nations while also bridging the digital divide.
However, AI must go hand in hand with cybersecurity. The necessity for AI-driven security, as well as security measures for AI itself, has reshaped how Cisco approaches this technology. Many companies are now prioritizing not just the advancement of AI but also safeguarding their people and operations in the digital space.
Key Takeaways from Cisco’s Purpose Report
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Cisco has always been about fostering connections. The Purpose Report highlights how, in this era of AI and rapid global shifts, the company remains committed to using its technology and workforce to create meaningful impact—not only for business success but also for societal progress. The increasing need for collaboration between public and private sectors to tackle urgent global challenges underscores Cisco’s mission.
The report includes impressive milestones that reflect Cisco’s influence. For instance, the Networking Academy has provided technology training to over 24 million students since its launch in 1997. Additionally, in the past year, 86% of Cisco employees participated in community service—a remarkable achievement that demonstrates a strong culture of giving back.
Defining Resilience in a Digital Age
Traditionally, resilience is considered at an individual or corporate level. However, Cisco takes a broader perspective, examining resilience from a community standpoint. The company believes that resilience is about transforming challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth. In today's interconnected world, secure and reliable connectivity plays a crucial role in achieving this.
Cisco aims to create a lasting impact beyond its 40-year legacy by fostering resilience through sustainable and scalable solutions. The company’s approach is built on forming strong relationships, investing in communities, and supporting inclusive development worldwide.
Addressing Disparities in Global Resilience
Resilience levels vary significantly across regions. One major challenge is that 2.6 billion people worldwide still lack internet access, with connectivity costs disproportionately high in economically disadvantaged nations. Cisco is actively addressing this issue through initiatives like the Rural Broadband Innovation Center in North Carolina, which focuses on bridging the digital divide.
Cybersecurity as a Cornerstone of Resilience
With global cybercrime losses projected to exceed $10 trillion this year, security is an essential aspect of connectivity and resilience. Cisco has long focused on facilitating secure connections, ensuring that expanding internet access does not expose users to cyber threats. Cybercrime affects economies worldwide, with some regions losing up to 10% of their GDP to digital threats. Strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure is crucial to building a more resilient and interconnected global community.
Cisco’s 40 Communities Initiative
Having reached its ambitious goal of positively impacting one billion people ahead of schedule in 2023, Cisco is now setting its sights on its next major initiative: supporting 40 communities worldwide over the next decade. By leveraging its Resilient Ecosystem Framework, the company seeks to understand and address each community’s unique needs—whether in governance, economic development, or societal support.
The Role of Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) Program
Cisco’s CDA initiative plays a pivotal role in the 40 Communities project by bringing together industry, government, and academic leaders to drive digital transformation. Through initiatives such as EDGE Incubation Centers—spaces equipped with Cisco’s technology to foster innovation—CDA has been instrumental in connecting people with digital skills and employment opportunities, particularly in regions like Africa.
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, CDA has made a significant impact across 50 countries by forming strategic partnerships with governments and non-profits. The initiative continues to tackle global challenges such as cybersecurity and sustainability while narrowing the digital divide.
Accelerating Momentum for the Future
As Cisco moves forward, it plans to harness both established and emerging technologies to enhance government services, including healthcare, education, and transportation. Security remains a priority, ensuring that connectivity efforts are safeguarded against cyber threats. The selection of the first communities to participate in the 40 Communities initiative is currently underway, and Cisco employees are expected to play an integral role in this mission.
The Power of Collaboration Beyond Cisco
While Cisco employees will be central to the success of the 40 Communities initiative, the company recognizes the importance of global collaboration. The discussions at WEF reinforced the need for cross-sector partnerships to address the world’s most pressing issues. Public-private partnerships will be vital in achieving sustainable progress, and Cisco is committed to working alongside governments, businesses, and non-profits to support the most vulnerable communities.
By fostering resilience and digital inclusion, Cisco aims to create lasting, positive change, ensuring that technology serves as a force for good across the world.
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