U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, speaking to the United Nations Security Council, declared Monday that “peace does not need to be fragile,” calling on world leaders to prioritize education and technology to create lasting global security.

The United States assumed the council’s rotating presidency for the month of March, with the first lady becoming the first spouse of a sitting world leader to chair such a session, per U.N. officials and the White House. During the gathering, the council focused on children, technology, and education in conflict zones.

“Enduring peace will be achieved when knowledge and understanding are fully valued within all societies,” the first lady said at the Security Council, which serves as the U.N.’s central arm for safeguarding international peace and security.

She noted that nations that value learning protect their books, language, science, and mathematics, leading to greater understanding, moral reasoning, and tolerance—regardless of place, religion, race, and gender—in their children.

“Children raised in a culture rooted in ignorance are surrounded by disorder, and sometimes even conflict,” she said.

The first lady highlighted that a dearth of quality education worldwide costs humanity potential breakthroughs in medicine, food security, and technology.

“Societies ruled by knowledge and wisdom are, therefore, more peaceful,” she said.

The first lady also spoke of technology creating a new reality for children by disrupting past academic structures, noting the potential role of AI and blockchain.

“Is a single digital nation-state inevitable? Perhaps this idea isn’t so far-fetched, since digital currency and payment systems via blockchain, plus AI’s massive factual database, is already revolutionizing media and financial markets. We are in the age of imagination—a period when technology can be free and unrestricted by land borders. Indeed, now is the time for our generation to elevate our children above ideology through access to wisdom.”

She noted that AI could help build a more secure and harmonious civilization.

“The path to peace depends on us taking responsibility to empower our children through education and technology,” she said.

During her speech, the first lady took a moment to touch on the ongoing conflict in Iran, offering her heartfelt condolences to families who have lost their heroes, and to those who sacrifice their lives for freedom.

“Their bravery and dedication will always be remembered,” she said.

The First Lady extended her wishes for a swift and smooth recovery to all those who have been injured.

“You are in my thoughts and prayers during this challenging time,” she said. “The U.S. stands with all of the children throughout the world. I hope soon, peace will be yours.”

As of March 2, 6 U.S. service members have been killed in action in the war with Iran, and 18 have been seriously wounded, according to U.S. Central Command.