The U.S. is taking over the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council. The spouse of the sitting president will chair the Security Council meeting for the first time. Melania Trump will speak about children, technology, and education.
The wife of U.S. President Donald Trump, Melania, will chair a meeting of the UN Security Council on March 2. This was announced on Thursday, February 26, by U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz on social media platform X.
"Melania Trump will chair the Security Council for the first time as First Lady of the United States - on the very first day of America's presidency in the council," he wrote. "Let’s make the UN great again!" added Waltz.
Melania Trump's office clarified that her speech will focus on "Children, technology, and education in conflict situations." The emphasis will be on education "as a means of promoting tolerance and peace worldwide," they added. Melania Trump has previously advocated for the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russia during its aggression against Ukraine.
The UN representative noted that "this will be the first time that the spouse of a sitting world leader will chair a meeting of the Security Council, which consists of 15 members," Reuters reports. Typically, Security Council meetings are chaired by the ambassador or a senior cabinet member of the representing country on a rotating basis.
Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt helped develop the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, The Guardian reminded in this context.
Trump Has Adopted More Reconciliatory Rhetoric
U.S. President Donald Trump has openly criticized the UN since his first term in the White House, stating that this international organization is ineffective and in need of reform. The U.S. owes billions of dollars in contributions to the UN budget, Reuters reminds.
At a briefing, in response to a question about whether Melania Trump's appearance is a positive sign for the organization, UN Secretary-General's spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said that this step underscores "the importance that the U.S. places on the Security Council" and its agenda.
Last week, Trump adopted a more reconciliatory rhetoric towards the UN. "The Council of Peace" will practically (fully - Ed.) control the activities of the United Nations and monitor its proper functioning," Trump stated on February 19. "We will strengthen the United Nations. We will ensure its facilities are in good condition. We will help it financially," he promised.
The UN Received About $160 Million in Contributions from the U.S.
The UN previously reported that it received about $160 million (136 million euros) from the U.S. this month. Meanwhile, Washington's debt in contributions exceeds $4 billion (3.3 billion euros).
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