Melania To Gavel U.N. Security Council Session On March 2
First lady Melania Trump will preside over a U.N. Security Council session titled 'Children, Technology, and Education in Conflict' during the U.S. presidency in March.
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Overview
First lady Melania Trump will preside over a U.N. Security Council meeting on March 2, marking the first time a first lady or first gentleman has chaired a council session, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.
The session will occur during the United States' rotating presidency for the month of March and is titled "Children, Technology, and Education in Conflict," with the first lady's office saying it will emphasize education's role in tolerance and world peace.
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz expressed support for the first lady gaveling in the U.S. presidency, and U.N. political chief Rosemary DiCarlo will brief the Security Council on behalf of the secretary-general.
The 15-member Security Council will meet as the United States has criticized the 193-member U.N., withdrawn from agencies including the World Health Organization and UNESCO, and recently paid $160 million, about 4% of nearly $4 billion it owed the U.N.
The meeting on March 2 is officially entitled "Children, Technology, and Education in Conflict," and Rosemary DiCarlo will brief the council on behalf of the secretary-general, with the session highlighting education, technology, peace and security.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present the event as symbolic but embedded in broader U.S.-UN tensions. Editorial choices — foregrounding Melania's stated focus on children, then noting U.S. withdrawals from WHO/UNESCO, billions owed and the U.N. secretary-general's "imminent financial collapse" warning — emphasize institutional strain over a ceremonial first.
FAQ
This marks the first time a first lady—or first gentleman—from any country has presided over a UN Security Council meeting[1][2]. Typically, a nation's ambassador or high-level official chairs these sessions, making this a departure from standard protocol[1]. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric characterized it as
The meeting, titled 'Children, Technology, and Education in Conflict,' will emphasize education's role in advancing tolerance and world peace[1]. The first lady is expected to stress the importance of education and knowledge in creating lasting peace[3]. The session will address how education, technology, peace, and security intersect, particularly in conflict zones[2].
The UN Security Council presidency rotates monthly among its 15 member states in English alphabetical order of their country names[1]. The United Kingdom held the presidency in February, the United States assumes it in March, Bahrain will follow in April, and China in May[1].
The first lady is described as a 'passionate and tireless advocate for children'[3]. In 2025, she garnered support for the Take it Down Act, which punishes internet abuse involving nonconsensual explicit imagery and was signed into law in May 2025[3]. She also launched a nationwide Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge inviting students and educators to showcase American innovation through AI applications[3].
UN political chief Rosemary DiCarlo will brief the Security Council on behalf of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres[2]. US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz is also expected to attend alongside council members and international stakeholders[1].
