USAID, Cisco Extend International Development Partnership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2008
Press Office: 202-712-4320
Public Information: 202-712-4810
www.usaid.gov
Washington, D.C. - The United States Agency for International Development and Cisco Systems, Inc. yesterday extended their partnership promoting international development. Education, economic growth, small- and medium-business expansion and information and communications technology skills are among the partnership's priorities. The five-year agreement focuses on social and economic growth issues faced by the world's poorest communities.
Cisco, a multinational California-based corporation, designs and sells networking and communications technology equipment.
USAID Administrator Henrietta Fore and Cisco Chairman and CEO John Chambers signed an agreement from Washington D.C. and San Jose, Calif., respectively, by teleconference, using an advanced Cisco video communications product called Cisco TelePresence.
Since 2000, USAID has worked with Cisco to bring its Networking Academy, a technical school program, to more than 45 developing countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. To date, the program has reached more than 50,000 students, helping to provide them with the technology and computer skills to compete in the global marketplace.
"Cisco is an ideal partner to help realize the spread of technology in the developing world," said Fore. "As a well-recognized leader in the field of networking technologies, they've got incredible global reach."
USAID uses memos of understanding to work with partners at its nearly 80 missions around the world. These agreements build on well-established partnerships between USAID and the private sector.
"Cisco's collaboration with USAID is a compelling example of how businesses, international organizations and governments can work together to contribute to the advancement of the world's underserved communities," said Chambers. "Having leaders from both organizations in attendance today clearly demonstrates the importance of this collaborative agreement and the commitment each has to improving socio- economic development opportunities throughout the world."
The Global Development Alliance is USAID's model for creating alliances with private-sector partners including corporations and foundations. The alliance combines the skills and resources of each partner to create jobs and promote economic development, health care and education in developing nations. For more information on the Global Development Alliance program visit www.usaid.gov/gda/index.html. For more information about USAID and its programs around the world visit www.usaid.gov.
The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for nearly 50 years.
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