AI Advocacy at Global Summit: Zubaida Rahman Calls for Support to Transform Education
Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has said that responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can bring transformative changes to the education system, urging the developed world to support Bangladesh in this endeavor. The two-day summit was inaugurated by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump under an initiative of the White House.
Dr. Zubaida Rahman joined spouses of heads of state and government, First Ladies, First Gentlemen, and leaders of equivalent rank from forty-five countries at the two-day summit held at the U.S. State Department.
On Tuesday, March 24, speaking at the “Fostering the Future Together Global Coalition Summit” in Washington, D.C., she highlighted that the government is working to deliver innovative technologies and healthcare services to children’s doorsteps.
Her remarks at the opening session reflected how she has expanded her scope of work to include global issues. She emphasized the responsible use of AI and highlighted various government initiatives aimed at empowering women, children, and families. She stressed the importance of child care, ensuring safe environments for growth, and initiatives such as Family Cards and Farmer Cards to improve the livelihoods of the people of Bangladesh, alongside advancements in education and healthcare sectors.
The summit brought together more than forty First Ladies and spouses of global leaders, serving as a significant platform for high-level dialogue on enhancing children’s welfare and potential worldwide. Accompanying Dr. Zubaida Rahman were educationist Professor Dr. Morshed Hasan Khan of the Marketing Department at Dhaka University, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Shah Muhammad Aman Ullah, and Barrister Mehnaz Mannan.
Alongside the summit, an exhibition featuring eleven leading U.S. technology companies showcased innovative tools and applications aimed at improving children’s education.
During a working session of the opening ceremony, Dr. Zubaida Rahman thanked the U.S. First Lady for bringing together global leaders and partners to strengthen commitments toward children’s development. She noted that the future of every nation depends on the care, education, and values instilled in its children.
She said, “It is a great honor for me to join you today at this historic ‘Fostering the Future Together Global Coalition Summit.’ I sincerely thank the First Lady for uniting us from across the world for such a noble cause—one that touches every nation: the promise and potential of our children. We recognize that the future of every country is written in the lives of its children. The care we provide today, the investments we make in education, and the values we cultivate will shape the nations they build tomorrow.”
Dr. Zubaida Rahman added, “I come here at a pivotal moment for my country. Under the leadership of my husband, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, our newly elected democratic government has come to power with a strong mandate. With the goal of building an inclusive and progressive nation, our government has already introduced initiatives such as the ‘Family Card’ and ‘Farmer’s Card,’ which strengthen families by providing financial support and ensure that children grow up in safe and nurturing environments.”
“As a physician, I am deeply committed to ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for every child, with a focus not only on treatment but also on prevention from the earliest stages of life,” she said.
On inclusive and future-oriented education, she noted that her work with social and non-profit organizations such as Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF) and Surabhi has strengthened her commitment to education, youth development, and public welfare. “We believe that the responsible use of AI can transform education, especially in countries like Bangladesh where access to trained teachers and resources remains limited,” she added.
She further stated that the government is equipping both teachers and students with the necessary tools for the digital age by providing tablet computers, updating teaching materials, introducing digital curricula, and adopting innovative methodologies. Classrooms are evolving to incorporate multimedia content that fosters teamwork, creativity, and value-based learning.
Dr. Zubaida Rahman emphasized that technology, particularly EdTech, plays a central role in bridging the gap between urban and rural populations. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safe and ethical use of these tools so that children can grow up in secure and supportive environments.
Referring to women’s empowerment during the tenure of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, she said Bangladesh has a strong legacy in advancing women’s rights, including the introduction of free education for girls up to the twelfth grade. She added that the current government is committed to ensuring free education for women up to the postgraduate level.
She also noted that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman laid the foundation for employment opportunities for millions of women in the public sector. “These efforts demonstrate that when women are empowered, families grow stronger and children thrive,” she said.
Highlighting the importance of partnerships, she added that collaboration with the private sector and global partners is essential to expand safe digital spaces, train teachers, empower parents, and improve education quality for all. “Through strong technological cooperation, we aim to connect every region, protect every child, and personalize every learning journey. Together, we can build a generation that is resilient, compassionate, and prepared for the future,” she said.
In her concluding remarks, Dr. Zubaida Rahman expressed sincere gratitude to the U.S. First Lady, stating that knowledge-sharing, mutual learning, and cross-border collaboration strengthen not only nations but also the future of children worldwide.
She again thanked the U.S. First Lady at the end of her speech.
Dr. Zubaida Rahman and her delegation also visited the exhibition. She is scheduled to attend the closing session of the summit at the White House on Wednesday, March 25, hosted by the U.S. First Lady.
DBTech/MAR/MUM/OR
