Future of nations lies in children: Dr. Zubaida
Dr. Zubaida Rahman, spouse of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has called on the international community to prioritise the welfare of children and ensure a safe, nurturing environment for future generations.
Her address came during a keynote speech at the “Fostering the Future Together: Global Coalition Summit” in Washington, DC, where she was invited by US First Lady Melania Trump.
The two-day summit, held at the US Department of State and concluding at the White House, brought together over forty First Ladies and spouses of world leaders to discuss strategies for improving children’s welfare worldwide.
Dr. Zubaida’s participation marks a significant moment for Bangladesh, presenting the country as an active contributor to global dialogue on education, health, and social development.
Addressing the summit, Dr. Zubaida emphasised the importance of children in shaping a nation’s future. “The future of every nation is written in the lives of its children,” she said, noting that national strength is closely tied to the care and investment societies provide to their youngest citizens.
Drawing on her experience as a physician, she highlighted the critical role of healthcare alongside education.
“Ensuring that children grow up healthy is just as important as educating them,” she stated, stressing the value of preventive care and early childhood development in building productive, resilient societies.
Dr. Zubaida also highlighted the transformative potential of technology in education, particularly artificial intelligence.
She explained that AI can help “reduce disparities between urban and rural students and reach those in remote and underserved areas,” while stressing the need for responsible implementation and support for developing nations in adopting digital tools.
Showcasing Bangladesh’s own initiatives, Dr. Zubaida presented programs such as the Family Card and Farmer Card, which provide financial support to vulnerable families and strengthen children’s welfare.
She also outlined progress in digital education, including the distribution of tablet computers to teachers, multimedia curricula, and updated learning materials designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and moral development among students.
Highlighting the link between women’s empowerment and child development, she remarked, “When women are empowered, families become stronger and children thrive.”
She referenced Bangladesh’s history of advancing girls’ education, including free schooling up to the twelfth grade under former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and the current government’s commitment to extending free education for women to postgraduate levels.
Dr. Zubaida also acknowledged ongoing challenges in Bangladesh, such as access to quality education and healthcare, emphasising the importance of international collaboration to overcome these barriers.
“Through sharing knowledge and collaborating across borders, nations can strengthen not only themselves but also the future of their children – the true inheritors of the world,” she said.
During the summit, Dr. Zubaida and her delegation visited an exhibition featuring eleven leading US technology companies showcasing innovations in educational technology.
She stressed that such partnerships could reduce inequalities in learning opportunities and prepare children for a digitally connected future.
Accompanying Dr. Zubaida were academician Prof Dr. Morshed Hasan Khan of Dhaka University, Prime Minister’s senior physician Dr. Shah Muhammad Aman Ullah, entrepreneur Mehnaz Mannan, Bangladesh Ambassador to the US Tareq Md Ariful Islam, and Deputy Chief of Mission DM Salahuddin Mahmud.
Observers noted that Dr. Rahman’s participation signals a rising recognition of Bangladesh as a proactive participant in global discussions, rather than solely a developing nation facing internal challenges.
She concluded by urging the global community to build inclusive, tolerant, and prosperous societies through shared responsibility, highlighting the crucial role of healthcare, education, technology, and women’s empowerment in shaping a brighter future.
Dr. Zubaida’s address firmly positioned Bangladesh on the international stage as a country committed to human development, international collaboration, and the welfare of its next generation.
