US to leave UNESCO, citing conflict with national interests

On July 22, the United States announced its decision to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), stating that continued participation is no longer aligned with US national interests.

“UNESCO focuses on advancing social and cultural issues and emphasizes the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals — a globalist, ideological agenda that runs counter to our foreign policy of ‘America First,’” said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

The decision marks the second time former President Donald Trump has moved to exit UNESCO. The withdrawal will take effect on December 31 of next year. Trump had previously pulled out of the organization during his first term, but the move was reversed under President Joe Biden.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed regret over the decision, though acknowledged that it was anticipated. “We were prepared for this,” she said.

The agency, headquartered in Paris, promotes international cooperation in education, science, and culture. French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X: “Unwavering support for UNESCO, the universal protector of science, the ocean, education, culture, and world heritage.”

Israel welcomed the US move. According to Reuters, the State Department cited UNESCO’s decision to grant full membership to Palestine as one of the key reasons for the withdrawal, calling it a contradiction of US policy that fueled anti-Israel sentiment within the organization.

UNESCO officials responded by saying all relevant statements over the past eight years had been coordinated with both Israel and the Palestinian authorities.

The US was a founding member of UNESCO in 1945 but first withdrew in 1984, rejoining in 2003 during President George W. Bush’s administration, who cited meaningful reforms as the reason for reentry.