Technology can be a powerful path to opportunity — but only when communities have what they need to truly benefit from it. For too many people around the world, that means more than just internet access. It means having the digital skills to compete for good jobs, the infrastructure to support growing businesses, and the security to protect what they build.

Cisco's 40 Communities Initiative takes a comprehensive approach to building connected, resilient, and thriving communities. That means addressing systemic challenges — from workforce readiness and small business growth to essential infrastructure and cybersecurity — so communities can adapt, innovate, and create new opportunities for everyone.

A Community-focused Approach

Over the next decade, Cisco’s 40 Communities Initiative aims to invest in 40 physical communities around the world, helping them become more connected, resilient, and thriving. The approach is built on the idea that every community has unique needs and strengths, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The goal is to work in partnership with local governments, nonprofits, and community members to jointly identify local challenges and opportunities, and work hand-in-hand to design and deliver solutions for sustained impact.

What “Resilience” Can Mean

In this context, resilience goes beyond simply recovering from challenges. It includes having the tools, connections, and support to adapt and create new opportunities. In some places, that might mean expanding access to affordable, secure internet. In others, it might involve developing digital skills training, creating local career pathways, or helping small businesses compete in a data-driven digital economy. Ensuring that new connections are secure is also critical to protect communities from additional risks.

Early Steps and What’s Ahead

In December 2024, Cisco selected Western North Carolina as the first of the 40 Communities. On the heels of the catastrophic damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene, the selection reaffirmed Cisco’s commitment to repairing and rebuilding the region with disaster relief efforts coupled with investments in home repair and rebuilding to support relief and stabilization efforts. More recently, Cisco has launched partnerships and solutions to address longer-term issues in the region related to skilling and employment for a future-ready workforce, small and medium business resilience as a critical driver of job creation and economic growth, and essential infrastructure. 

Last week, Cisco announced the second community and first international market: Mumbai, India. Here, Cisco’s work will focus on expanding digital skills and professional development opportunities for employment and career advancement, accelerating startups developing solutions to urban challenges, and strengthening cyber resilience. These tech-forward solutions are developed and delivered alongside local partners including the Confederation of Indian Industry, the NIIT Foundation, and the Villgro Innovation Foundation.

“Global Citizen and Cisco share the belief that when people are equipped with the right tools they have the power to change their own lives – and the world,” said Lucas Turner, Vice President, Global Corporate Partnerships at Global Citizen. “The selection of Mumbai, India gives us an incredibly exciting opportunity to amplify our movement building in the region and engage a new generation of changemakers through the 40 Communities framework.”

Forthcoming communities will be announced in a phased approach over the next 10 years.

Solutions

40 Communities will integrate multiple Cisco offerings customized for each community’s unique needs and opportunities, with an all-in approach to tackle systemic issues. Selected examples of Cisco offerings include: 

• Cisco Networking Academies: Training people in digital skills that are directly linked to employment opportunities.
• EDGE Centers: Physical spaces equipped with technology to support local entrepreneurs and start-ups.
• Country Digital Acceleration: Partnerships with governments to expand citizen access to digital services across multiple sectors.
• Nonprofit Partnerships: Technology, funding, and capacity building to help nonprofits deliver programs supporting underserved people and communities.
• Innovation Challenges: Accelerators for high-potential entrepreneurs addressing key local challenges.

Looking Forward

The 40 Communities Initiative is still in its early stages, and each community has its own unique challenges and opportunities. The hope is that by listening to local voices and collaborating closely, the initiative can help communities build greater resilience and expand access to opportunities in an increasingly digital world.

For those interested in learning more or getting involved, more information is available through Cisco and its local partners.