Melania Trump announced her upcoming visit to Africa on Wednesday during a reception on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, stepping behind the podium in a $600 dress and Louboutin pumps.
The first lady, 48, attended a reception welcoming spouses of visiting heads of state and other foreign delegations in the morning in New York City, and took the opportunity to announce her first major international solo trip during the event.
Melania, who will visit Ghana, Malawi, Kenya and Egypt, took the stage in a pale pink, cap-sleeved dress by Australian designer Scanlan Theodore.
Address: Melania Trump announced her upcoming visit to Africa on Wednesday during a reception on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly
Event: The first lady, 48, attended a reception welcoming spouses of visiting heads of state and other foreign delegations in the morning
She paired it with snakeskin designer heels by French designer Christian Louboutin. The label’s trademark red soles were visible as Melania stepped off the stage after her address, which lasted about seven minutes.
While Melania’s specific model is not currently available on Louboutin’s website, similar designs typically cost more than $700.
Melania is due to start her visit to Africa, which will promote child welfare and education, in October.
‘October 1 will mark the first day of my solo visit to four beautiful and very different countries in Africa: Ghana, Malawi, Kenya and Egypt,’ she said during the reception.
She pointed out that all those countries have worked alongside the United States Agency for International Development in making progress towards overcoming some of their biggest challenges.
Melania, who will visit Ghana, Malawi, Kenya and Egypt, took the stage in a pale pink, cap-sleeved dress by Australian designer Scanlan Theodore
Shoes: She paired her dress with snakeskin designer heels by French designer Christian Louboutin. The label’s trademark red soles were visible as Melania stepped off the stage
Plans: ‘October 1 will mark the first day of my solo visit to four beautiful and very different countries in Africa: Ghana, Malawi, Kenya and Egypt,’ Melania said during the reception.
Project: The first lady stood at a podium with a ‘Be Best’ placard on it during her address, and two screens also showed the campaign’s logo
Visit: Melania will embark on her first major international solo trip when she travels to Africa
Melania also referenced her campaign Be Best, which she launched in May.
So far, the campaign has focused on advocating for youth well-being and against cyberbullying, as well as raising awareness about drug addiction.
‘I am so proud of the work this administration is doing through USAID and others, and look forward to the opportunity to take the message of my “Be Best” campaign to many of the countries and children throughout Africa,” Melania said on Wednesday.
The first lady stood at a podium with a ‘Be Best’ placard on it during her address, and two screens also showed the campaign’s logo.
‘Whether it is education, drug addiction, hunger, online safety or bullying, poverty or disease, it is too often children who are hit first, and hardest, across the globe,’ she said.
‘Each of us hails from a country with its own unique challenges, but I know in my heart we are united by our commitment to raising the next generation to be happy, healthy and morally responsible adults.’
In high spirits: Melania looked pleased to face the reception’s attendees on Wednesday
Greetings: The first lady was seen greeting Karen Pence during the event
Message: In her address, Melania referenced her ‘Be Best’ campaign, which she launched in May this year
The first lady has previously traveled alone to Canada and joined her husband on several foreign visits. Her trip to Africa will focus on good-deed projects.
Donald Trump, 72, has yet to travel to Africa since taking office. He sailed into controversy at the start of the year for allegedly disparaging ‘s**thole’ countries on the continent.
Earlier on Wednesday, the president trailed his wife’s announcement, saying: ‘We both love Africa. Africa is so beautiful.’
In her address, Melania gave shout-outs to the First Lady of Ghana, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, the First Lady of Malawi, Gertrude Maseko, and the First Lady of Kenya, Margaret Kenyatta, acknowledging their presence in the audience and telling them she looks forward to visiting their respective countries.