My CEO letter: 2023 ESG Report

Below is my annual letter, published in our 2023 ESG Report.

At Lumen Technologies , we are committed to supporting our employees and customers as we become the trusted network for AI. Our 2023 ESG Report showcases our dedication to innovation, sustainability, community engagement, and ethical governance.

AI needs data, data needs data centers, and data centers need connectivity – that is what we do at Lumen. The growth of AI presents a significant opportunity for Lumen, making our ESG efforts even more crucial. This year, we announced strategic partnerships with Microsoft, Corning, AWS, and others, marking key milestones in our work to build the backbone for the AI economy. Our collaborations with leading tech companies highlight our commitment to empowering customers in the digital age.

Reliable internet connectivity is essential for modern life. We have focused on digital inclusion, bringing high-speed broadband to more communities, enhancing participation in education, the digital economy, and healthcare. In 2024, New Mexico selected Lumen to provide high-speed fiber connectivity to its Statewide Education Network, benefiting K-12 public school students across the state.

We have also invested in sustainability, achieving our 2025 greenhouse gas reduction targets ahead of schedule. CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project) recognized our efforts, ranking us in the Leadership category with an A- score for our 2023 climate change disclosures.

Our progress at Lumen is driven by our strong, inclusive culture. Newsweek named us one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity for 2024, and FlexJobs listed us among the Top 100 companies for remote jobs. Lumen ranked #1 in the Communication & Telecom sector in the 2023 and 2024 American Opportunity Index. Our employee volunteer program has strong participation, and we are now a certifying organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award Program.

Governance is a cornerstone of our operations. We established an AI Advisory Board to ensure ethical AI implementation, considering privacy and security implications. We aim to leverage AI opportunities with proper governance in place.

These stories are just a few examples of the work being done across our organization. They reflect our core values and commitment to making a positive impact on the world by building a brighter, more sustainable, and connected future.

Kate