Our Unique Focus on Making the World a Better Place

In a world of constant change, one thing that has remained consistent over my past 18 years at Cisco is that customers and government leaders truly believe in the transformative power of technology. As technology moves increasingly to the forefront of our daily lives, we know the power it has in driving economic progress, helping people thrive in the digital economy, and addressing critical issues facing our society such as climate change. What is good for the world and good for business are more closely connected than ever before.

I have always believed that Corporate Social Responsibility has to be woven into everything that a company does. At Cisco, our passion for making a difference around the world and improving lives is deeply engrained in our culture, our strategy, how we deliver value to our customers, and in how we attract top talent.

This is true now more than ever. With the recent events that have unfolded in Paris, Lebanon and Egypt, and in other parts of the world, Cisco is deeply committed to helping others and the communities we are a part of. It is simply who we are.

Our 11th Corporate Social Responsibility report highlights many ways that we’ve made an impact around the world. As an example, over the last 18 years, our Cisco Networking Academy program has helped more than 5.5 million students at 9500 learning institutions in 170 countries. With the skills they are developing, these students are helping to shape and build the digital economy.

Earlier this year, we announced Connected Caring, a unique partnership with singer-songwriter Keith Urban and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Children suffering from cancer and other life-threatening illnesses who are being treated at St. Jude now have the opportunity to meet with Keith using Cisco’s video collaboration technologies. With this initiative, we’ve given children at St. Jude the opportunity to take their minds off their illness for just a little while as they share messages of hope while also having some fun.

Watch this video to learn more about the partnership.

Our strong commitment to helping others is also reflected in our annual employee giving campaign, “Be the Bridge,” which builds on our decades-long commitment to supporting the most vulnerable across the world. This year, the campaign has been broadened to include helping people find shelter, access to water, nutrition and emergency care. Employee donations will benefit over 400 non-profit organizations that provide critical support to those in need both locally and globally.

Our work in these areas is what makes me so proud to work at Cisco. Our culture of giving back and caring for others is core to who we are and one of the main reasons I have believed in this company for 18 years. Corporate Social Responsibility will continue to be a key component in driving our long-term success.

At Cisco, we fundamentally believe that our value lies not in what we make, but what we make possible. I can’t wait to see what our amazing employees will do next.