How Cisco powers inclusive future initiatives

In Chorkor, Ghana, a vibrant new tech lab is helping young people access the tools and training they need to pursue careers in cybersecurity, networking, and beyond. It's led by B.A.S.I.C.S INTERNATIONAL, a longtime champion for underserved students, and powered in part by Cisco’s Networking Academy and Cisco's Technology Grant Program. What makes this initiative so powerful isn’t just the access to infrastructure, it’s the holistic approach: listening to community needs, tailoring support, and using trusted tools to create lasting pathways from education to employment. https://lnkd.in/gXvm_Y44 #TechforGood I had the chance to write about this incredible collaboration and the lives already being changed. Read the blog to hear directly from students like Joyce and Joy, who are dreaming big and building the skills to get there.

The fifth way to train AI tools to benefit everyone is a global, cross-disciplinary challenge, requiring collaboration among industries, sectors, and geographies to ensure equitable outcomes. The diverse set of stakeholders—including tech companies, policymakers, ethicists, and community representatives—must work together. By pooling expertise and sharing knowledge, industries can build AI tools that are not only technically sound but also culturally aware and socially responsible. Like in the Microsoft example, collaboration can help develop shared standards, guidelines, and regulations to promote fairness and reduce bias across AI systems globally. Notably, Cisco collaborates with organizations like UNICEF and the World Economic Forum to use AI for solving global challenges in healthcare, education, and disaster response. By partnering with diverse industries, Cisco ensures AI solutions are accessible and relevant to underserved communities. Additionally, Cisco’s Networking Academy provides AI education to people from diverse backgrounds, empowering underserved communities with tech skills. This serves as a foundation for understanding and addressing the complexities of bias in AI and highlights the importance of a holistic, cross-disciplinary approach to creating fair and responsible AI systems.

AI is transforming work and life, making global workforce preparation crucial. Cisco's leadership in the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium showcases a forward-thinking approach to ensuring AI benefits everyone. The inaugural report, "The Transformational Opportunity of AI on ICT Jobs," highlights AI's impact on 47 ICT roles and offers practical training recommendations. Cisco and industry giants are committing to train 95 million people over the next decade, building an inclusive and skilled workforce for the AI era. This effort addresses economic disparities and boosts productivity, innovation, and job satisfaction. Investing in AI-driven educational tools and personalized learning democratizes access to knowledge, ensuring AI's promise benefits all. The report is both a roadmap and a call to action, urging coordinated efforts to invest in AI education and lifelong learning. Together, we can elevate the human experience and power an inclusive future. #purpose #socialimpact