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The United States is departing from UNESCO.

Ongoing tensions: United States withdraws from UNESCO once more, casting criticism on the UN's cultural body with decisive language, prompting questions about the reasons behind their departure.

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The U.S. is pulling out of UNESCO.
The U.S. is pulling out of UNESCO.

The United States is departing from UNESCO.

The United States has announced its third withdrawal from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), with the withdrawal set to take effect at the end of 2026. This decision, criticised by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, comes amidst allegations of political bias and an ideological agenda within the organisation.

The Trump administration, during its tenure, criticised UNESCO's policies, particularly its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, which were viewed as promoting "woke, divisive cultural and social causes." The administration also expressed concern over UNESCO's prioritisation of United Nations sustainable development goals that did not align with U.S. policy priorities.

Another contentious issue was the admission of "the State of Palestine" as a UNESCO member in 2011, which was seen as fueling "anti-Israel rhetoric within the organisation." This decision was described as "highly problematic" and contrary to U.S. policy. Israel, too, withdrew from UNESCO at the end of 2018, citing "politicization" and expressing gratitude for the U.S.'s "moral support."

The current administration, under President Joe Biden, brought the U.S. back into UNESCO after his inauguration. However, the State Department's recent statement did not provide specific examples for either accusation. The Trump administration's withdrawal decision was part of a 90-day review aimed at assessing antisemitism or anti-Israel sentiment within UNESCO.

Azoulay regretted the U.S. decision, stating it contradicts "the principles of multilateralism." She noted that necessary precautions have been taken, with the U.S.'s financial contribution amounting to only eight percent of UNESCO's total budget.

The U.S.'s "America First" foreign policy clash was given as a reason for the withdrawal. It's worth mentioning that the U.S. first withdrew from UNESCO in 1984 under Ronald Reagan. However, the Biden administration has not yet commented on the reasons for the latest withdrawal.

Despite the ongoing tensions, UNESCO continues its work, including an initiative called "Transforming MEN'talities," aimed at encouraging men to critically examine certain masculinity norms. The organisation remains committed to promoting peace, education, and cultural understanding worldwide.

  1. What was the U.S.'s reasoning for its third withdrawal from UNESCO, set for the end of 2026? Critics suggest it stems from a clash with the U.S.'s "America First" foreign policy.
  2. The administration under President Joe Biden re-joined UNESCO, but has remained silent regarding the reasons for the latest withdrawal.
  3. One issue that has fueled controversy is UNESCO's admission of "the State of Palestine" as a member in 2011, which critics view as promoting "anti-Israel rhetoric" within the organization.
  4. Another focal point of criticism concerns UNESCO's perceived focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, considered by some as promoting "woke, divisive cultural and social causes."
  5. Regarding the U.S.'s financial contribution to UNESCO, Azoulay, the UNESCO Director-General, noted that it amounts to only eight percent of the organization's total budget, suggesting necessary precautions have been taken.

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