U.S. Announces Exit from UNESCO Amid Continued Withdrawal from Global Institutions
The United States will leave the United Nations' cultural and educational agency UNESCO, the State Department confirmed on Tuesday. The decision reflects the administration's ongoing pattern of stepping back from international organizations.
A State Department spokesperson stated that UNESCO promotes divisive cultural and social initiatives and excessively focuses on globalist development objectives, which conflict with America’s foreign policy priorities.
The departure deals a setback to the Paris-based organization, established after World War II to foster peace through collaboration in education, science, and culture.
This move follows other recent exits from global bodies, including withdrawing from the World Health Organization, cutting funding to the Palestinian relief agency, and leaving the UN Human Rights Council as part of a broader reassessment of U.S. engagement with UN agencies.
The withdrawal, set to take effect in December 2026, may disrupt UNESCO's efforts in education, cultural preservation, and countering hate speech. However, officials in Paris had anticipated the possibility of a U.S. exit. Though the U.S. contributes roughly 8% of UNESCO's budget, the financial impact might be less severe than other withdrawals, given its smaller funding role compared to larger organizations like the WHO.
A White House representative stated that UNESCO supports socially divisive agendas misaligned with the policies endorsed by American voters.
Earlier this year, the administration initiated a 90-day review of UNESCO membership, citing concerns over the agency's resistance to reform, perceived bias against Israel, and unresolved financial issues.
UNESCO is widely known for recognizing global heritage sites, including the Grand Canyon and Syria’s ancient city of Palmyra, while also overseeing cultural and educational programs aimed at fostering international dialogue.
The U.S. was a founding member in 1945, but this marks its third departure. It first left in 1983 under President Reagan, citing political bias, before rejoining in 2003 during the George W. Bush administration. President Trump previously withdrew from UNESCO in 2017, pointing to unpaid dues and policy disagreements.
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