Melania Trump on Monday chaired a meeting of the United Nations Security Council focused on children and education in conflict, the first time a spouse of a sitting world leader has led a session of the 15-member body charged with maintaining international peace and security.

The meeting, titled “Children, Technology, and Education in Conflict,” came two days after President Donald Trump and Israel launched military strikes against Iran. The session had been scheduled before the attacks and followed the United States assuming the council’s rotating monthly presidency.

In remarks to the council, the first lady emphasized education as a path to tolerance and peace. “The U.S. stands with all of the children throughout the world. I hope soon peace will be yours,” she said.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said last week that the first lady’s participation underscored the importance the United States places on both the Security Council and the issue of children in conflict.

Though she has generally maintained a limited public profile during her husband’s presidencies, Melania Trump has previously advocated for children’s causes, including writing to Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2025, urging the return of Ukrainian children taken during the war.