Photo: Alamy
First Lady Melania Trump brought together government leaders and technology companies this week to launch an international coalition aimed at expanding education and protecting children in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
The initiative, called Fostering the Future Together, includes representatives from 45 countries and 28 technology companies working to improve access to education and digital tools for young people.
“As people, we dream. As leaders, we progress. As nations, we will build,” the first lady told participants Tuesday as she opened the inaugural two-day summit for the program.
The meeting, held in Washington, brought together government officials and leaders from major technology companies to discuss how to better equip children for a rapidly changing technological landscape.
“Beginning today, let’s accelerate our new global alliance, this bond, to positively impact the progress of our children,” she said. “Our coalition’s mission is to empower children while providing greater access to technology and education.”
“This is a historic moment in time,” she added, explaining that the initiative is focused on helping young people develop the skills needed in a technology-driven economy.
According to the first lady, the program will work to create new learning programs, advocate for supportive education policies, sponsor technology-focused legislation and strengthen cooperation between governments and private industry.
“Each of you has a vital role to play in shaping the tech-ed opportunities for the next generation,” she told attendees.
During the summit, the first lady encouraged participants to use their expertise and resources to support young people.
Representatives from major technology companies, including Microsoft, Google and OpenAI, attended the meeting. Supporters of the initiative say the program could help address learning gaps among students while expanding access to technology and education resources.
Education advocates have pointed to declining academic performance among American students in recent years. The 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress reported that one-third of U.S. eighth-grade students scored below basic competency in reading, the lowest level recorded in the exam’s history.
The White House said the initiative will continue developing partnerships and programs designed to help children safely access technology and educational opportunities in the years ahead.