Kenya’s First Lady, Rachel Ruto, was among 40 First Spouses who attended the ‘Fostering the Future Together’ initiative at the White House, which was convened by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump.
In a statement on March 26, Rachel Ruto said the summit focused on the impact of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, on education.
She added that the discussions also highlighted efforts to ensure all children have fair and safe access to opportunities.
“It was an honour to join my fellow First Spouses at the ‘Fostering the Future Together’ initiative, which was convened at the White House by the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump,” she said.
She added that the future of children relies on our ability to close the gap between education and technology.
Rachel Ruto Joins ‘Fostering the Future Together’ Summit at White House
The ‘Fostering the Future Together’ summit, convened by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, brought together First Spouses and equivalent leaders from around the world to explore how advanced technology can help children learn, grow, and thrive safely.
The initiative showcased tools, including artificial intelligence, developed by major technology companies and made available to participating countries at little or no cost.
The summit provided a platform for leaders to discuss how to implement these technologies to expand educational opportunities, train educators and parents, and create innovative learning environments for the future.
In her remarks, Melania called for partners to join forces to improve access to education and technology for children globally.
“I encourage each of you to take a proactive step after this inaugural summit: pledge to host a regional meeting, collaborate with the private sector, unlock access to tech for those who require assistance, draft groundbreaking legislation to protect our children, collaborate with another member nation, form a committee, and be a catalyst for discovery,” Melania said.
Also Read: Rachel Ruto’s Table Banking for Women Mobilizes Ksh3.9 Billion in Savings
Rachel Ruto’s presence at the summit solidified her role as an active champion of children’s rights in Kenya through her “The Voice of the Children Initiative.”
The initiative seeks to guarantee every child access to nutrition, education, and healthcare, protection from harm and exploitation, and the opportunity to have a voice in decisions affecting their future.
In February, she visited the Mji Wa Salama Children’s Home in Mombasa, a branch of the Child Welfare Society of Kenya, where she donated food and encouraged other Kenyans to support vulnerable children and families in need.
Rachel also commended the Child Welfare Society of Kenya for sponsoring a parliamentary bill that curbed abuses in the adoption process, protecting Kenyan children from the risks of trafficking and exploitation by unaccountable adopters.
Also Read: Rachel Ruto Honored in US for Supporting Kenyan Women
Who Can Join the Summit?
The invited include First Spouses, including spouses of Heads of State and Government, who may join the Fostering the Future Together Global Coalition.
Participation requires publicly committing to programs that make advanced technology available to children, educators, and parents, while protecting youth online.
Interested First Spouses can respond to their formal invitation or contact the U.S. Department of State to join the Coalition and participate in the inaugural summit.
Those unable to attend the summit may still join the Coalition and take part in future events and forums.
Once part of the Coalition, members are expected to publicly outline their initiatives to make advanced educational technology accessible while ensuring safe use for children and families.
