Fortinet has become a member of the International Telecommunication Union Development Sector (ITU-D), which works to drive digital transformation to leverage the power of ICTs for economic prosperity and digital skills development.

In a statement, the California-based cybersecurity company says it will look to advance the ITU-D’s cybersecurity and digital skills development priority areas in part by increasing access to the Fortinet Training Institute’s award-winning certification program curriculum.

The ITU is a United Nations specialised agency that was founded in 1865 to facilitate international connectivity in communications networks. ITU is comprised of 193 member states as well as more than 900 companies, universities, and international and regional organisations.

Developing cybersecurity skills globally

By joining the ITU’s Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D), which strives to spread equitable and affordable access to telecommunications as a means of stimulating broader social and economic development, Fortinet will further advance its cyber skills development initiatives, ultimately enhancing cyber resiliency across sectors and industries globally.     

As part of this initiative, Fortinet is participating in ITU’s Partner2Connect programme which focuses on connecting people everywhere, empowering communities and developing digital skills. These focus areas align with Fortinet’s longstanding commitment to addressing the cybersecurity skills gap through increased access to training as a way to develop critical cyber skillsets not only in current security professionals, but also for students, women, military veterans and underserved populations. As part of this commitment, Fortinet has pledged to train 1 million people globally by 2026 and offers a range of free cyber training available to anyone interested in upskilling and/or reskilling in cybersecurity to pivot into a career in the field. 

 “Public-private collaboration has always been at the center of ITU’s development work and we welcome Fortinet as our newest ITU Development Sector member. Fortinet’s commitment to cybersecurity resiliency, digital innovation and cyber skills development will contribute to our efforts to advance progress towards the building of a secure and safe digital world for all,”  said Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau.

“Fortinet’s acceptance into the International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D) represents a significant step towards strengthening the global cybersecurity community through public-private partnerships. Together with ITU and its esteemed members, we will work towards creating a safer digital world by focusing on the development of critical technology skillsets. Fortinet is committed to contributing to this shared goal by providing increased access to our award-winning cybersecurity training, “ added John Maddison, chief marketing officer and EVP, Product Strategy at Fortinet