Shibbir Ahmed — Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, attended U.S. First Lady Melania Trump’s “Fostering the Future Together” gathering Tuesday at The St. Regis New York, joining an international group focused on children’s education, technology, digital skills and online safety. Dr. Zubaida Rahman attended the Manhattan event at the invitation of Melania Trump, highlighting Bangladesh’s continuing engagement with the international initiative as the United States hosts a new gathering of participating First Spouses and leaders during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The event brought together international participants and private-sector partners to discuss ways to expand opportunities for children through education, technology and responsible digital innovation. Melania Trump has made children’s education, digital literacy, artificial intelligence and online safety central themes of the Fostering the Future Together initiative.
For Bangladesh, Dr. Zubaida’s participation marks a continuation of her involvement in the initiative. She previously took part in the inaugural Fostering the Future Together: Global Coalition Summit in Washington, D.C., in March 2026, also at Melania Trump’s invitation. The two-day summit brought together First Ladies and spouses of leaders from more than 45 countries.
During the March summit, Dr. Zubaida addressed issues surrounding children’s welfare, education, healthcare and the responsible use of technology. She highlighted Bangladesh’s initiatives related to family support, education and healthcare and emphasized the potential of artificial intelligence and digital learning to help reduce educational disparities.
She also met Melania Trump during the Washington summit. According to reports from the March event, the two discussed cooperation on initiatives aimed at improving children’s welfare.
Dr. Zubaida’s presence in New York comes as she accompanies Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during his visit to the United States for the 81st UN General Assembly. The prime minister and his wife arrived in New York on September 22, with Zubaida traveling as part of his delegation.
The New York gathering also reflects the expansion of Melania Trump’s initiative beyond its inaugural Washington summit. The coalition has increasingly focused on partnerships involving education technology, artificial intelligence, digital skills and online protection, with governments, First Spouses and private-sector organizations participating in the effort.
For Bangladesh, Dr. Zubaida Rahman’s participation in both the March Washington summit and Tuesday’s New York gathering places the country within an international dialogue centered on the future, education and well-being of children.
