Melania Trump offers condolences for lost 'heroes' at UN Security Council
First lady Melania Trump on Monday presided over a U.N. Security Council session focused on the role of education for advancing peace throughout the world -- just days after her husband, President Donald Trump, launched massive strikes on Iran.
While she did not specifically mention the conflict, she offered "heartfelt condolences" to families who have lost family members in the line of military duty.
"First, my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their heroes, who sacrificed their lives for freedom. Their bravery and dedication will always be remembered. I extend my earnest wishes for a swift and smooth recovery to all those who have been injured," she said.
She then referenced school children caught in war but did not specifically mention what Iranian officials said were dozens of students killed at an all-girls elementary school during the U.S. and Israeli military strikes.
"You are in my thoughts and prayers during these challenging times. The U.S. stands with all of the children throughout the world. I hope soon peace will be yours," she added.
Asked about the incident before he briefed congressional leaders on the Iran campaign on Monday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. would never target a school.
"I can't speak to the details behind it because I'm not, I just don't have it. It would be a tragic outcome if it's happened. I don't have the details as to what led to it, but what is clear is that the United States would not deliberately target a school."
Rubio said the Department of Defense would investigate if it was a U.S. strike. The Pentagon has not commented on the reports.
Her appearance marked the first time a first lady has presided over a U.N. Security Council meeting.
Throughout her brief remarks, Trump focused on arguing how expanding access to education for younger generations can improve their understanding of other cultures and societies, and in turn, help sustain peace throughout the world.
"Children raised in a culture rooted in intelligence develop confidence, innovate, build, compete, and maintain a deep value system. Their knowledge fosters empathy for others, transcending geography, religion, race, gender, and even local norms. They become caring people," she argued.
"But children raised in culture rooted in ignorance are surrounded by disorder and sometimes even conflict. These societies are filled with rigid thinkers who embrace justice and shun human dignity," she added.
Notably, she implored world leaders to protect books and languages as a way to promote peace.
"A nation that makes learning sacred, protects its books, its language, its science and its mathematics. It protects its future. This leads to something powerful, to greater understanding, moral reasoning, and tolerance of others," she said.
Melania Trump also continued to advocate for the use of advanced technologies in education, a topic that she has focused on throughout her husband's second term, specifically artificial intelligence -- while also warning of the harms it could bring such as digital sexual exploitation.
As it relates to education, she argued that greater technology can help replace fear with "peace and unity."
"The path to peace depends on us taking responsibility to empower our children through education and technology. Conflict arises from ignorance, but knowledge creates understanding, replacing fear with peace and unity," she said in concluding her remarks.
