Melania Trump wins UN award for child protection efforts, highlights her ‘BE BEST’ initiative; what is it and how does it help children

United States First Lady Melania Trump received a UN award for global child protection efforts. She highlighted the goals of her "BE BEST" initiative, from anti-cyberbullying to opioid abuse prevention.

The BE BEST initiative was launched by Melania Trump with a focus on some of the major issues facing children today, to encourage children to “BE BEST” in their individual paths, while also teaching them the importance of social, emotional, and physical health. BE BEST will concentrate on three main pillars: well-being, online safety, and opioid abuse, according to the Trump White House Archives website.

The UN recognition for the US First Lady came two days after she hosted world leaders’ spouses in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. During the event on Tuesday (September 23, 2025), Melania announced the launch of a new initiative on children’s well-being and artificial intelligence safety, “Fostering the Future Together.”

How BE BEST helps children

According to the Trump White House Archives, BE BEST will champion the many successful well-being programs that provide children with the tools and skills required for emotional, social, and physical health.

The campaign will also promote established organizations, programs, and people who are helping children overcome some of the issues they face growing up in the modern world. “Over the past two years, Be Best has played a major role in spreading awareness, highlighting successful programs and acts of kindness, and encouraging public-private sector relationships to help children overcome the struggles they face every day,” Melania Trump was quoted as saying about the initiative by the Trump White House Archives.

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Melania on Tuesday called on leaders to help impose safeguards upon the spread of new technology. “Our nations benefit from advancements in technology—saving lives, expanding access to knowledge, connecting people, and of course, safety. Nothing comes before safety,” she said.