First Lady Liza Marcos to host Melania Trump’s global coalition on ASEAN Summit sidelines

WASHINGTON — Philippine First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos is set to host a Fostering the Future Together Global Coalition event in Manila on November 16, an initiative led by US First Lady Melania Trump to improve children’s access to education, technology, and online safety.

US Special Envoy for Best Future Generations Charity Wallace discussed the upcoming event during a media roundtable at the Washington Foreign Press Center, attended by international journalists.

According to Wallace, the Manila gathering will take place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Leaders Summit, with first spouses from across the region expected to participate. 

Discussions will focus primarily on protecting children online.

Launched in September 2025, the coalition now includes nearly 60 countries and more than 30 private-sector partners, including Google, Adobe, Intel, Amazon, Starlink, and Zoom.

The Manila event is part of a series of regional gatherings scheduled in the Caribbean, Asia, and Europe this November.

Wallace said the coalition aims to develop long-term partnerships between governments and technology companies to expand educational opportunities and protect children in the digital world.

For the Philippines, the November 16 gathering offers an opportunity to explore programs that could benefit children in underserved communities, including those whose education has been interrupted by serious illnesses.