Melania Trump is set to chair a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Monday, marking the first time a U.S. first lady has ever presided over the Council. Her office said she will lead the session as the United States holds the Council’s rotating presidency in March, highlighting education’s role in promoting tolerance and peace.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric confirmed the historic nature of the event, noting that no first lady or first gentleman has previously taken the gavel at the Security Council.
Her appearance comes at a sensitive time. Relations between Washington and the United Nations have been strained in recent years, largely over funding. The U.S., the UN’s largest financial contributor, has fallen billions of dollars behind in payments. Although Washington recently paid $160 million toward its regular budget, it still owes about $4 billion, according to UN officials. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the organisation faces serious financial pressure.
Tensions are also high globally after joint U.S.–Israeli strikes reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader in Tehran, sparking retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Middle East.
Against this backdrop of diplomatic strain and regional conflict, Melania Trump’s Security Council role is being seen as both symbolic and politically significant.
Source: TRT World
