U.S. Special Envoy Charity Wallace discusses global technology partnerships, children’s education, and opportunities for disadvantaged Filipino children, including young cancer patients
By Josie Moralidad Ziman
WASHINGTON, D.C., November 9, 2026 — U.S. First Lady Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future
Together Global Coalition is set to hold an event in Manila on November 16, hosted by Philippine First
Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, as part of an international effort to improve children’s access to education,
modern technology, and online protection.
U.S. Special Envoy for Best Future Generations Charity Wallace discussed the upcoming gathering
during an on-the-record media roundtable at the Washington Foreign Press Center, attended by
journalists from several countries.
According to Wallace, the Manila event will take place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Leaders Summit
and gather first spouses from across the region. Discussions will focus primarily on protecting children online.
The White House has also announced the Philippine First Lady’s role in hosting the coalition’s ASEAN
event.
Melania Trump’s Growing Global Coalition
First announced during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, the Fostering the
Future Together Global Coalition has expanded to nearly 60 participating countries and more than 30
private-sector partners.
Wallace said the coalition focuses on four priorities: superintelligence in education, educational
technology, online protection for children, and digital literacy and skills development. The initiative connects governments, educators, and technology companies to develop programs
suited to the needs of participating countries.
Among the companies supporting the coalition are Adobe, Amazon, Intel, Google, N50, Starlink, and
Zoom. Wallace highlighted several commitments made by these companies.
In Uganda, N50 is launching an educational technology pilot expected to reach more than 10,000
students and 200 teachers, using devices capable of operating both online and offline.
Intel is expanding artificial intelligence education and skills training across 10 participating countries,
while Adobe is offering free AI-powered study tools to students worldwide. Google has also committed $4 million to support free educator training worldwide.
Wallace emphasized that the coalition aims to turn these commitments into educational programs that
can continue producing results over time.
Can Technology Help Filipino Children Battling Cancer?
One of the concerns raised during the roundtable involved children undergoing cancer treatment who
cannot attend school regularly because of chemotherapy, hospitalization, and other medical
procedures. The issue was discussed in connection with Filipino American Cancer Care (F.A.C.C.), a nonprofit organization providing financial assistance to cancer patients, including children in the Philippines.
Wallace was asked whether the initiative could eventually help young cancer patients, particularly
those from low-income families, continue their education through technology while receiving
treatment.
She acknowledged the difficulties faced by children battling cancer and said advances in educational
technology could provide opportunities for them to continue learning from home. “They can have that type of technology even in their homes. They could be keeping up with their schoolwork,” Wallace said.
She explained that personalized educational tools could allow children to study according to their
individual needs, even when their medical conditions prevent them from attending regular classes.
Wallace noted that previous generations had fewer educational options when children were unable to
attend school physically.
However, she emphasized that specific programs would depend on the priorities identified by
participating governments and the partnerships developed through the coalition.
No educational assistance program specifically for Filipino children battling cancer was announced
during the roundtable.
Reaching Poor Children in Remote Philippine Communities
Another concern raised during the discussion was the limited access to education and modern
technology among children living in poverty.
According to 2023 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, 23.4 percent of Filipino children were
living in poverty, representing approximately 9.3 million children. The question focused on how the coalition could help disadvantaged Filipino children, particularly those in rural communities without reliable internet access, computers, and other educational resources.
Wallace explained that the coalition works with governments and technology companies to identify
solutions based on the challenges faced by individual countries. She cited Starlink as one of the partners helping expand internet connectivity in remote areas. She also discussed personalized learning technologies, including tablets that could help students who have fallen behind in school catch up on their lessons.
Wallace said the coalition wants to ensure that children are not excluded from educational
opportunities as artificial intelligence and digital technology continue to advance.
Working With Laura Bush and Melania Trump
During the question-and-answer session, Wallace also reflected on her experience working with two
U.S. first ladies. Having previously served as chief of staff to former First Lady Laura Bush, Wallace was asked what lessons from her years of public service could help improve children’s education worldwide.
Wallace said both Laura Bush and Melania Trump share a strong interest in children’s education and
welfare, although the challenges facing young people have changed considerably.
She noted that artificial intelligence and digital technology are transforming education at a pace that
was difficult to imagine during her earlier years of public service.
Wallace also emphasized that First Ladies have a unique opportunity to encourage cooperation among
government officials, education ministries, private companies, and international organizations.
She said their influence can help countries identify educational priorities and develop partnerships that
address the needs of children in their communities.
International Summits Scheduled for November
The Manila event is one of several regional gatherings scheduled under the coalition this November.
The Caribbean summit will take place on November 13–14 in St. Kitts and Nevis under the theme
“Empowering Caribbean Children for the Digital Age.”
The Philippine event follows on November 16, focusing on online protection for children.
A European summit hosted by Poland’s First Lady Marta Nawrocka is scheduled for November 18–19
under the theme “Their Future, Our Responsibility.”
Wallace also said Melania Trump will host a G20 spouses program later in the year, focusing on how
commitments made by technology companies are being translated into educational opportunities.
What Lies Ahead for Filipino Children?
With the Philippines preparing to host the November 16 event, attention will turn to whether new
partnerships and educational programs will emerge from the discussions.
For Filipino children facing poverty, limited internet access, or serious illnesses such as cancer,
educational technology could offer additional ways to continue learning. While no specific assistance programs for these groups have been announced, the Manila gathering provides an opportunity to explore how international partnerships could address some of their educational challenges.
The next step will be determining whether the coalition’s commitments can translate into practical support for children who need it most.
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