Melania Trump will preside over a United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday, marking the first time a first lady or first gentleman has led the powerful body. The United States holds the rotating presidency of the 15 member council for March and selected a session focused on 'Children, Technology, and Education in Conflict,' highlighting education’s role in promoting tolerance and world peace.

The first lady has made support for children affected by conflict a central focus of her public work. She previously appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin on behalf of children displaced by the war between Russia and Ukraine, an effort that later contributed to some reunifications with families.

Her appearance comes amid ongoing tension between President Donald Trump and the United Nations. The president has criticized the organization, withdrawn the United States from several agencies including the World Health Organization and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and reduced funding to others. The United States also owes billions of dollars in unpaid contributions, prompting warnings from Secretary General Antonio Guterres about the risk of financial collapse if member states do not meet their obligations.

United Nations officials described the first lady’s role as a sign of the importance the United States places on the Security Council and the meeting’s theme. The session will include a briefing from the organization’s political chief on behalf of the secretary general.