Among the many many treasures of this lovely land that I additionally name house, there’s a Greek phrase that resonates deeply with me: Philoxenia (Φιλοξενία). It’s typically translated merely as hospitality, but it surely encompasses a lot greater than that. Philoxenia, actually “love of strangers,” embodies a profound, unconditional generosity – providing meals, shelter, and luxury to anybody, with out expectation of something in return. It embodies a spirit of real heat, open-hearted connection, and a deep respect for each particular person.
This was exactly the environment I envisioned, and certainly felt, permeating our Europe Cisco Networking Academy Associate Convention in Thessaloniki this previous week. convention brings collectively Cisco Networking Academy academics, government leaders, and public/non-public sector collaborators from throughout the area to have fun the achievements of the previous yr and to anticipate even higher successes forward.
My hope, as Senior Regional Supervisor for Cisco Networking Academy in Europe
The Crucial for Our Future Workforce
The fundamental theme of this yr’s program was, of course, Synthetic Intelligence (AI). We reside by means of a profound technological revolution that stands to form not solely the world of labor and schooling, however society itself. The compelling
At Cisco, we don’t simply perceive this crucial; we embrace it. By our Cisco Networking Academy program, we’re creating new AI literacy and sensible expertise programs to complement curricula all through the area, and crucially, to permit any European to take their digital future into their very own arms. My private dedication, and that of my crew, is to make sure we’re offering our learners with the foundational data and hands-on expertise they should thrive in an AI-driven world. This isn’t nearly understanding algorithms; it’s about fostering vital pondering, superior problem-solving, and essential moral issues – expertise which can be paramount for the longer term. And, simply as importantly, we’re making this more and more inclusive by translating our curriculum into 12 European languages, as a result of studying have to be accessible to all.
Native Impression, International Attain: A Thessaloniki Success Story
Some of the gratifying moments of the convention was witnessing the tangible impression of our work by means of a compelling Nation Digital Acceleration (CDA) use case proper right here in Thessaloniki. d the world by means of partnerships throughout authorities, academia, {industry}, and extra.
We proudly showcased an could be utilized to unravel real-world challenges throughout industries, together with inside the important and so typically beneath supported sector of agriculture. These strategic alliances are usually not simply partnerships; they’re dwelling proof of the ability how collaboration and artistic pondering can rework know-how right into a supply of deep transformation. It’s a testomony to how native innovation, nurtured by devoted companions, can contribute considerably to international progress.
Celebrating Excellence: Our Valued Companions
No convention could be full with out recognizing the extraordinary efforts of our companions, and we had the immense pleasure of awarding a number of Cisco Networking Academy companions for his or her distinctive achievements all year long. “Be the Bridge” Award has been awarded to 2 distinctive companions, the Open College (UK) and PUE (Spain) whereas, our “Golden Bridge” Award went to Specialisterne, a globally-recognized social enterprise based mostly in Italy devoted to enabling employment for neurodivergent people, significantly these with autism. These learners, by leveraging their distinctive expertise and expertise, are then matched with jobs that completely swimsuit their strengths.
By seamlessly integrating Cisco Networking Academy into its modular, free coaching packages, Specialisterne Italia has profoundly enhanced its curriculum with industry-recognized content material in networking and cybersecurity. Began in September 2022, this highly effective partnership has already enabled 150 students to achieve each theoretical data and invaluable sensible expertise, aligned with certifications like CCNA. This has led to 50 of these people incomes a full-time job alternative. It’s a good instance of how our partnerships can assist construct extra inclusive pathways to success.
Strengthening our Communities to Energy an Inclusive Future for All
As I mirror on the insightful discussions, the shared imaginative and prescient, and the renewed sense of function from our time in Thessaloniki, I’m extra assured than ever in Cisco Networking Academy’s profound capacity to organize our college students for the longer term. Collectively, we aren’t simply instructing know-how; we’re constructing essential bridges to alternative, fostering innovation, and creating a very expert, inclusive, and resilient international workforce — with our personal philoxenia that has distinguished this program since 1997.