Washington, DC [US], July 22 (ANI): The United States on Tuesday announced its decision to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), citing misalignment with national interests and alleging the organization promotes an anti-Israel agenda.
“Today, the United States informed Director-General Audrey Azoulay of the United States’ decision to withdraw from UNESCO. Continued involvement in UNESCO is not in the national interest of the United States,” U.S. Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement.
According to the department, the withdrawal stems from concerns over UNESCO’s “focus on divisive agendas” and its 2011 decision to admit the “State of Palestine” as a member state, which the U.S. called “highly problematic” and contrary to U.S. policy. The statement further accused the agency of helping spread “anti-Israel rhetoric,” particularly amid Israel’s heightened military operations in Gaza.
“UNESCO works to advance divisive social and cultural causes and maintains an outsized focus on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, a globalist, ideological agenda for international development at odds with our America First foreign policy,” Bruce said. “UNESCO’s decision to admit the ‘State of Palestine’ as a Member State is highly problematic, contrary to U.S. policy, and contributed to the proliferation of anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization. Continued U.S. participation in international organizations will focus on advancing American interests with clarity and conviction.”
The decision will take effect on December 31, 2026, with the U.S. remaining a full member until that date, the statement noted.
This marks the second time the U.S. has withdrawn from UNESCO under the Trump administration, following its initial withdrawal in 2017 during his first term. The U.S. had rejoined the agency under President Biden.
UNESCO, founded in 1945, aims to strengthen shared humanity through the promotion of education, science, culture, and communication. The U.S. previously withdrew from the organization in 1984 during the Reagan administration over concerns about perceived bias against U.S. interests and financial mismanagement. It rejoined in 2003 under President George W. Bush, who cited significant reforms in the agency.
(ANI)
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