First Lady Melania Trump will preside over a UN Security Council meeting, focusing on education and peace, marking a historic first for a US presidential spouse.
UNITED NATIONS: First Lady Melania Trump is set to make history by presiding over a United Nations Security Council meeting next week.
Her office confirmed she will take the gavel as the United States assumes the Security Council presidency.
The meeting will focus on education’s role in advancing tolerance and world peace.
It will also address the intersection of technology, peace and security.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric confirmed the visit signifies the importance the United States places on the Council and the subject of education.
“I can confirm that, according to our records, this will be the first time a First Lady, or first gentleman, for that matter, has ever presided over a Security Council meeting,” he said.
He noted that spouses of heads of state have previously participated on behalf of non-members of the Council.
The meeting is scheduled for Monday afternoon.
President Donald Trump recently praised his wife’s dedication to protecting America’s youth.
Melania Trump’s visit coincides with the president’s “Board of Peace” initiative.
Some critics have suggested this initiative is a way to circumvent the UN Security Council.
The Trump administration has withdrawn support from several major UN agencies since returning to the White House last year.
This includes withdrawing from the World Health Organization.
Nevertheless, the United States recently paid $160 million to the UN’s general budget.
The US still owes roughly $2 billion in contributions to the general budget.
It also has $2 billion in outstanding payments for the UN peacekeeping budget.