Meeting: First Lady Dominique Ouattara Meets with a Delegation from the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan

The protection and well-being of children, particularly in light of new challenges related to the digital environment were at the heart of discussions between the First Lady, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, and the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire, Mr. Junaid Munir.

On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, First Lady Dominique Ouattara received Mr. Junaid Munir, accompanied by Ms. Jenny Bah, Chief of the Political Section at the U.S. Embassy, in an audience at her offices in Cocody.

This meeting focused primarily on the initiative launched by the First Lady of the United States, Mrs. Melania Trump, titled “Building the Future Together,” which places special emphasis on child protection, with a particular focus on issues related to children’s safety and well-being in the digital space.

On this occasion, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires informed the First Lady that Côte d’Ivoire was among the priority countries being considered as part of this initiative.

“I requested this meeting with the First Lady to discuss an initiative by the First Lady of the United States, Mrs. Melania Trump, titled ‘Building the Future Together,’” explained Mr. Junaid Munir.

According to him, this initiative aims to strengthen child protection, “particularly in the digital space.” He also noted that he had received information from Washington confirming that Côte d’Ivoire was set to play a priority role in the implementation of this project, due in particular to the vision and commitment of the First Lady, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara.

The discussions also addressed the procedures for submitting and implementing projects eligible for U.S. support. “We discussed the details regarding the submission and implementation of projects, as well as funding from the U.S. government to support its efforts in child protection, in Côte d’Ivoire as well as throughout Africa,” the U.S. diplomat explained.

Mrs. Dominique Ouattara praised the initiative led by her U.S. counterpart and expressed Côte d’Ivoire’s willingness to strengthen its collaboration with the United States on this issue. “The First Lady thanked her U.S. counterpart for this initiative. She affirmed that Côte d’Ivoire is ready to collaborate with the United States on this issue, taking into account the opportunities and challenges associated with artificial intelligence,” reported Mr. Junaid Munir.

The First Lady finally expressed her hope that the Ivorian and American teams would be able to work together over the coming weeks to identify, develop, and implement initiatives that could further contribute to the protection of children in Côte d’Ivoire.

This meeting thus opens up opportunities for enhanced cooperation between Côte d’Ivoire and the United States on an issue that has become a major priority: ensuring a safe environment for children, including in the digital space, at a time when new technologies and artificial intelligence are playing an increasingly significant role in their daily lives.