Secretary Clinton Presents Cisco with the 2010 Award for Corporate Excellence

December 17, 2010

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton presented Cisco with the twelfth annual Secretary of State's Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE) on December 17. Cisco was selected for the company's efforts to reconnect the Israeli and Palestinian economies and people, build a sustainable model of job creation and economic development, and engage in several partnerships and initiatives to enhance technical capacity, connectivity, education, and opportunities for women and youth in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. Cisco was selected for the award out of 12 finalists, along with Mars, Inc. for its work in Ghana and Denimatrix for its work in Guatemala.

The prestigious and competitive ACE is designed to recognize the important role that U.S. businesses play in advancing good corporate governance and democratic principles worldwide. The award honors exemplary business practices, corporate responsibility, and innovation in a company's overseas operations. This year, a record number of 78 nominations were received for American companies operating in 46 different countries.

Ambassador Cunningham remarked, "Cisco has undertaken within Israel to bring the benefits of technology and education to Israeli communities while countering social inequalities." According to Consul General Rubinstein, "Cisco's engagement with Palestinian companies has directly contributed to our work with the Palestinian Authority to strengthen the economy and bolster private sector competitiveness."

Cisco's The Digital Cities Project united the predominantly Jewish city of Upper Nazareth and its predominantly Arab adjoining city of Nazareth into twin digital cities. The Net@ program has helped over 2,000 teenagers from disadvantaged communities become leaders in the technology sector. Three Ramallah-based Palestinian companies – Exalt, Asal, and GSSI – began working with Cisco as part of its $10 million corporate social responsibility project. The funds provided training, equipment, and a direct communication link with Cisco Israel. Cisco also funded other Palestinian-focused projects such as youth centers and specialized training.

Senior Embassy and Consulate General officials and local company executives participated in the awards ceremony via digital video conference from the American Center in Jerusalem.

Today, Secretary Clinton also announced the launch of the Palestinian Information Communications Technology Capacity Building Initiative (PITI) from Washington, an initiative modeled on Cisco's successful program with Palestinian companies. PITI will help strengthen the Palestinian private sector by promoting U.S. investment and partnerships with Palestinian companies. Initial PITI partner companies include: Cisco, Google, HP, Intel, Medcor, and Salesforce.com.

For more information contact the U.S. Embassy's Press Office at 03-510-3822 or the U.S. Consulate's Press Office at 02-622-6908 or 02-622-6909.