UNITED NATIONS (AP) — U.S. First Lady Melania Trump presided over a United Nations Security Council meeting on March 2, 2026, which centered on the issue of children affected by conflict, a cause she has championed throughout her tenure. During her remarks, she acknowledged the current "challenging times" as the United States engages in military actions alongside Israel against Iran.
In her address, Melania Trump expressed solidarity with children worldwide, stating, “The U.S. stands with all of the children throughout the world.” Although she spoke in general terms and did not directly reference the ongoing war in the Middle East, she conveyed hope for peace, saying, “I hope soon peace will be yours.”
The backdrop of the meeting was marked by reports from Iranian state media about an airstrike on a girls' school in southern Iran that allegedly resulted in the deaths of at least 165 individuals, with many more injured. The Israeli military denied any knowledge of strikes in that area, while U.S. military officials stated they were investigating the reports.
Before the session commenced, Iran's ambassador to the U.N., Amir Saeid Iravani, criticized the United States, calling it "deeply shameful and hypocritical" to hold a meeting on safeguarding children during conflict while simultaneously conducting airstrikes on Iranian cities. He pointed out a contradiction between the U.S. rhetoric of protecting children and the actions being taken under the guise of international peace and security.
U.N. political chief Rosemary DiCarlo acknowledged the reports of the tragic incident at the girl's school, highlighting the far-reaching effects of U.S. and Israeli military actions, as well as Iranian retaliatory strikes on children across the region. She emphasized the situation's urgency, stating, “Our reality is clear: When conflicts erupt, children are among those most severely affected.”
In a historic moment, Melania Trump became the first spouse of a world leader to take the chair at the U.N. Security Council, a platform usually reserved for presidents, prime ministers, and foreign ministers. This opportunity arose as the United States held the presidency of the council for the month of March.
Throughout the meeting, speakers underscored the importance of bridging the digital divide between developed and developing nations to provide all children with access to modern technology. Melania Trump strongly advocated for the inclusion of artificial intelligence in educational initiatives, arguing that AI democratizes knowledge, making information more widely available. She urged the Security Council to "safeguard learning," linking the importance of education to the pursuit of enduring peace.
US Cuts Funding to UN Agencies for Children
While she promoted the protection and education of children in conflict zones, it is notable that her husband's administration has significantly cut funding to various U.N. agencies dealing with these very issues. Since January, the U.S. withdrew support from the U.N. Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children in Armed Conflict, which plays a crucial role in reporting on children's experiences during conflicts.
Additionally, funding from the U.S. for UNICEF, the U.N. children’s agency, has been dramatically reduced, and the country has pulled out of the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). DiCarlo voiced urgent concerns over the escalating number of armed conflicts worldwide, attributing the highest civilian casualty rates in decades primarily to these conflicts affecting children.
The First Lady's visit to the U.N. headquarters was marked by a ceremonial motorcade arrival and greetings from U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, culminating in a group photo with the members of the Security Council. The session was predetermined before the outbreak of the current hostilities. The preceding Security Council meeting had addressed the immediate tensions caused by the conflict, with Guterres condemning both U.S. and Israeli airstrikes as violations of international law.
Melania Trump's Support of Ukrainian Children
In addition to her focus on children in conflict, Melania Trump has shown her commitment to specific groups of children, such as those displaced by the Russia-Ukraine war. Last summer, she took the remarkable step of reaching out to Russian President Vladimir Putin, which resulted in the reunification of children separated from their families due to the conflict.
The situation following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 included reports of the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russian authorities for upbringing in Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has actively sought global support in addressing this critical humanitarian issue of family reunification.
