From the early days of the internet to the rise of artificial intelligence, Cisco has helped build the digital backbone of the modern world. We've expanded access, secured global networks, and supported the infrastructure that powers everything from online learning to global commerce. For example, Cisco's Networking Academy has trained over 2.6 million learners in the US since the program's inception, empowering them with critical digital literacy and technology skills.

We've done that for millions worldwide. In France, for instance, we're working with local partners to use AI and sensor technology that helps dairy farmers prevent heat stress in cows, boosting production for over 50 farms and increasing revenues by up to 20%. Meanwhile, in the City of El Paso, we partner with the city to deliver Webex and Cisco networking solutions to ensure vulnerable and at-risk residents can seamlessly connect to essential services.

Now, as AI redefines what's possible-from breakthroughs in healthcare to smarter cities-we are once again at the center of this transformation. That's why we are proud to sponsor this week'sITU AI for Good Summit, the UN's leading platform for using AI to tackle global challenges, and to launch a new white paper: Connecting the Future: How Connectivity and AI Unlock New Potential, co-developed with the ITU, Atlantic Council, and Access Partnership.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General?, and Nicole Isaac, Cisco VP for Global Public Policy

The Two-Way Relationship Between AI and Connectivity

What is the relationship between AI and connectivity? First and foremost, AI cannot succeed without strong digital infrastructure. AI also has the power to dramatically improve that infrastructure in return.

AI models-especially generative tools-require more bandwidth, ultra-low latency, and highly resilient works. Meeting these demands requires an investment in every layer of connectivity across the first, middle, and last miles and a new era of public-private collaboration.

Yet AI isn't just a user of networks; it's also transforming them. AI is already helping networks self-optimize, predict outages, reduce energy consumption, and respond to threats in real time-making infrastructure faster, safer, and more efficient. This is especially critical in regions where networks must scale quickly.

At Cisco, we're building the technologies that make this possible. Take for example ThousandEyes which leverages AI to enable faster and more reliable connections, or our Cisco Nexus switches and AI-native infrastructure solutions which automate network performance and optimize data center performance.

Addressing the Readiness Gap

According to Cisco's AI Readiness Index, 98% of global business leaders say AI adoption is more urgent than ever, yet only 13% feel fully prepared. More than half of these businesses have expressed that their infrastructure lacks the scalability to support AI, and 78% doubt they have the computing resources needed to keep up.

This isn't surprising-with 3.7 billion people still lacking reliable internet access, the digital divide threatens to become an AI divide.

As part of our broader Partner2Connect pledge to address this gap, Cisco launched a $1 billion global AI investment fundto accelerate the development of secure, trustworthy technologies and infrastructure and we're already seeing its impact.

• In Saudi Arabia, we've partnered with HUMAIN AI to support national infrastructure, launch a Cisco AI Institute at KAUST, operationalize secure data centers, and upskill 500,000 learners in AI, cybersecurity, and programming.
• In France, we're developing a Global AI Hub focused on energy-efficient infrastructure, startup innovation, and workforce development. We've also expanded our collaboration with Mistral AIand committed to establishing a center of excellence for data center innovation and train 230,000 people in AI and digital skills over the next three years.

Nicole Isaac, announcing Cisco's pledge at the ITU Partner2Connect event

Infrastructure Needs People

Infrastructure alone isn't enough. AI's full potential depends on people having the skills to build, deploy, and use it responsibly. Yet millions still lack the digital and AI skills needed to participate in the economy of tomorrow.

Through the Cisco Networking Academy, which has trained more than 20 million learners globally, and initiatives like Partner2Connect and the ITU Digital Transformation Centers, we're helping to close that gap-equipping both technical and non-technical talent with the skills to build, manage, and apply AI responsibly and successfully.

Governments, companies, and global institutions must now work together to integrate AI literacy into national curricula, expand access to digital public infrastructure, and make upskilling a central pillar of economic development.

A Shared Responsibility

AI and connectivity are not separate agendas-they're part of the same transformation. One cannot advance without the other. And neither will succeed without bold policy, smart investment, and public-private partnerships.

At Cisco, we're ready to lead. We're building secure, AI-ready networks. We're supporting innovators and governments, and we're focused on making sure this next chapter of technological progress includes everyone. The futureisconnected, intelligent, and within reach.

This is who we are-One Cisco, one community, one world, and this is how we power an inclusive future for all.