Melania Trump Chairs U.N. Security Council Session on Children in War

Melania Trump chaired a United Nations Security Council meeting on March 2 focused on children in armed conflict, marking a rare moment for a U.S. first lady to preside over the 15-member body. The United States holds the council’s rotating presidency this month.

The session at U.N. headquarters in New York addressed the impact of war on children, with particular attention to education in conflict zones and the role of technology. Diplomats discussed attacks on schools, recruitment of child soldiers and the long-term effects of displacement.

In brief remarks, Trump said children caught in war deserve safety and access to education. “The United States stands with all children throughout the world,” she said, calling for stronger international cooperation to protect schools and ensure continued learning during conflicts.

• Melania Trump chairs UN Security Council meeting on children in conflict
• First Lady leads session on education and technology in war zones
• UN debate unfolds amid Middle East tensions and school strike claims

The meeting took place amid Middle East tensions. Iranian state media reported that a recent airstrike on a girls’ school in southern Iran killed students. The claim has not been independently verified. Iran’s U.N. ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, criticized the timing of the discussion, accusing Washington of hypocrisy while military operations were underway.

U.S. officials rejected suggestions that American forces would target civilian institutions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States does not deliberately strike schools and cited conflicting reports about the incident. China’s envoy called such incidents violations of international law and urged accountability.

The session also reflected broader U.S.–U.N. relations under President Donald Trump. His administration has criticized the world body and withdrawn from some agencies, while the United States has accumulated U.N. membership dues arrears, though partial payments have been made.

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Council members stressed the need for child protection in war zones and support for rebuilding schools. Despite divisions, diplomats said safeguarding children should remain a shared priority.