WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, Melania Trump made a compelling call for international cooperation to enhance educational and technological access for children worldwide. Her remarks were delivered to an assembly of first ladies and representatives from over 40 countries.

The First Lady introduced her initiative, Fostering the Future Together, last year, and this week’s inaugural two-day summit marks her commitment to tackling global challenges. The event underscores her efforts to broaden her influence on international issues.

“We dream as individuals, advance as leaders, and as nations, we build,” Melania Trump stated in her opening speech. “Starting today, let us strengthen our global alliance to create a positive impact on our children’s development.”

She encouraged attendees to organize regional meetings, conduct research, forge new partnerships, and collaborate with fellow member countries to equip young people with the skills necessary for success in an ever-changing world.

The First Lady highlighted that empowering children can be achieved through innovative programs, advocating for supportive educational policies, sponsoring technology-driven legislation, and fostering robust public-private partnerships.

“This gathering is brimming with exceptional human resources,” she remarked, urging the leaders seated around the U-shaped table in the State Department auditorium to “utilize these resources to uplift your children, empower your citizens, and propel your economies forward.”

The gathering included technology companies such as Microsoft, Google and OpenAI.

Among those participating were Olena Zelenska, the spouse of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Sara Netanyahu, the wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The first lady announced the Fostering the Future Together initiative during the U.N. General Assembly session last fall.