The Power of Upskilling: Embracing Diversity and Cybersecurity in Tech

🌍 Cisco has networking academies worldwide to provide opportunities in technology for high school students and those who cannot afford college.

💼 Cisco's focus is on upskilling and helping nations address their upskilling challenges using technology.

🔄 Investing in new infrastructure and technology allows for strategic leaps, addressing societal problems and providing opportunities.

📚 Cisco has trained 17.5 million students in 25 years.

🌍 Education efforts have been focused on Africa, Latin America, Europe, and the United States.

🔒 Training in security skills creates opportunities for individuals and benefits countries and companies.

🎓 There is a need to disrupt traditional four-year college education and provide alternative credentialing options.

🌟 COVID-19 has accelerated the shift away from the necessity of a four-year degree.

📚 Certifications have become more valuable than degrees in the field of security.

🌍 Digitization allows countries to leapfrog in terms of technological advancements.

💡 Advances in technology have dual uses and governments need to regulate them.

🔒 Sharing information on cyber security incidents and the need for early detection.

🔑 Importance of communication and sharing in order to learn and improve in the technology industry.

👩‍💻 The push for gender equality and diversity in the tech sector through transparency and mentorship.

🚀 Creating an inclusive environment in the tech industry is crucial for women's empowerment.

🌍 ESG discussions should focus on specific goals and metrics to drive positive change.

💼 The social aspect of ESG is contentious, but Cisco believes it can lead to competitive advantage and diversity.

🌐 Inclusion and access are key aspects of addressing the digital divide for companies like Cisco.

💼 Diversity, hiring process inclusivity, and pay parity are important factors in strengthening companies in the long term.

🌍 The UAE's focus on education and big breakthroughs in science can serve as inspiration for bringing more people into STEM fields.

⭐ The challenge of brain drain among highly skilled individuals and the importance of incentivizing them to stay in their countries.

🌍 Cisco's efforts in driving a digital agenda in various countries to improve access to healthcare and education.

👥 The potential of linking education programs to apprenticeships as a way to retain talent within countries.