Melania Trump becomes first world leader’s spouse to chair UN security council
First Lady Melania Trump made history on Monday, February 2 by becoming the first spouse of a world leader to preside over a session of the United Nations Security Council, chairing a high-level meeting on children and education in conflict in New York City.
The meeting took place as the United States continues military operations involving Iran. Speaking during the session, Trump focused on the importance of education in “advancing tolerance and world peace,” and reiterated her advocacy for children in her official role.
She also offered condolences to the families of U.S. service members killed in recent events, though she did not reference specific operations. “Their bravery and dedication will always be remembered,” she said, adding that she wished a swift recovery to those injured.
During the session, Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, warned that children are among those most severely affected when conflicts erupt. She noted that schools in Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman had shifted to remote learning due to ongoing military operations in the region. She also referenced reports from Iran of a strike on an elementary school in Minab.
Iranian officials say the strike killed more than 150 people, including children, and have blamed the United States and Israel. The U.S. military’s Central Command stated that it was reviewing the reports, while Israel’s military reported that it was not aware of any operations in the area.
Ahead of the meeting, Iran’s ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, criticised Washington, calling it “deeply shameful and hypocritical” for convening a session on protecting children while military actions continue.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
