The Philippines is set to host an ASEAN conference of a global initiative led by US First Lady Melania Trump that promotes children’s access to technology and education while seeking stronger protection against online risks.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will host the Philippine event of the “Fostering the Future Together” coalition during the ASEAN Summit in Manila in November, following an announcement by Trump during a gathering of first spouses in New York on September 22. The coalition now includes 57 participating countries.
The initiative focuses on areas including artificial intelligence in education, educational technology, online safety and digital literacy. It brings together governments, educators, first spouses and technology companies to explore ways of expanding access to digital learning while helping children navigate potential online harms.
Araneta-Marcos joined Trump and other first spouses at a luncheon held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. She said the initiative reflects a shared goal of giving children opportunities to learn and develop while remaining protected in an increasingly digital environment.
Trump also announced new partnerships involving technology companies including Adobe, Amazon, Google, Intel, Starlink and Zoom. Apple Executive Chairman Tim Cook and PayPal CEO Enrique Lores were among the technology executives who attended the New York gathering.
The Manila event is part of a wider calendar of regional activities for the coalition. Trump is scheduled to host a G20 event in Miami in December, while Poland and Saint Kitts and Nevis are also expected to host regional gatherings later this year.
The planned ASEAN event also comes as the Philippines prepares to host the 49th ASEAN Summit and related summits in November. The country, which holds the ASEAN chairmanship this year, has been conducting preparations with member states and dialogue partners ahead of the leaders’ meetings.
The event has also fueled speculation that US President Donald Trump could attend the Manila summit. However, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said his participation has not been confirmed, emphasizing that attendance would only be certain upon his arrival.
For the Philippines, hosting the ASEAN gathering could put children’s digital safety, artificial intelligence in education and access to technology at the center of a regional discussion involving governments and the private sector.
The coalition’s Manila meeting is expected to add another dimension to the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship as governments confront the opportunities and risks created by increasingly widespread use of AI and other digital technologies among children and young people.
