Countries showcase EdTech programs and device distribution at global coalition summit
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Summary
Delegations at the Fostering the Future Together summit described national EdTech rollouts—national AI strategies, 1-to-1 device programs, Chromebooks distribution, teacher training, and sector partnerships—while U.S. education officials urged scaling responsibly.
The U.S. secretary of education, Linda McMahon, introduced the summit’s second session on educational technology by calling AI "a technological leap on par with the invention of the printing press." McMahon cited federal grants and the First Lady's presidential AI challenge as examples of U.S. commitments to classroom AI pilots.
A succession of first spouses and partners presented national initiatives. Costa Rica said its 2024 national AI strategy and a national AI guide for educators increased teacher use of AI tools in support of students with special needs. Belize reported high‑speed Internet delivered to 75% of its students and teachers and a program distributing Chromebooks and three AI chatbots for classroom use. St. Kitts and Nevis described a reintroduced 1-to-1 laptop program and civil-society partnerships supporting digital inclusion.
Speakers stressed that access alone is insufficient: programs must invest in teacher training, culturally appropriate content and online safety measures. Guatemala emphasized creating multilingual and intercultural digital learning content; Paraguay described legislation to regulate mobile-device use in schools and a national observatory to monitor digital risks.
Delegates also highlighted private‑public partnerships. Romania introduced two private-sector experts joining its delegation and noted the need to better link education, innovation and industry. Several speakers advocated for interoperable national platforms that respect local languages and contexts.
No binding commitments or multilateral funding packages were adopted during the session; delegates agreed to share best practices and pursue regional collaboration. The conversation concluded with moderators asking participants to move from presentation to regional work plans and follow-up meetings.
