Major Shift in International Relations
The United States withdraws from UNESCO, citing several reasons. This is not the first time it has done so. Its withdrawal is a major change in its engagement with international institutions and has prompted widespread global reactions (1,2,3).
Key Details of the Withdrawal
Official Statement from the U.S. Government
The U.S. Department of State cited several concerns as the basis for the withdrawal, emphasizing the intent to uphold American interests and values. The primary reasons include:
- Perceived bias against Israel, notably after UNESCO’s 2011 decision to admit Palestine as a member state
- Disagreements over UNESCO’s pace and scope of reforms
- Concerns about UNESCO’s effectiveness and management
- A significant critique of UNESCO’s disproportionate focus on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which the U.S. administration views as promoting a globalist and ideological agenda that conflicts with its “America First” policy (1,5,7)
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce and White House deputy spokesperson Anna Kelly described UNESCO as advancing “divisive social and cultural causes” and maintaining “an outsized focus on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, a globalist, ideological agenda for international development,” at odds with the policies favored by the current U.S. government (1,7,8).
UNESCO’s Response
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed deep regret over the U.S. decision, stating that it contradicts the principles of multilateralism. She reaffirmed UNESCO’s ongoing commitment to fostering international cooperation in education, science, and culture, and underscored a willingness to continue collaboration with the United States despite the withdrawal (2,4,6).
Background and Context
Historical Context
The U.S. has a complex history with UNESCO:
- Withdrew in 1984 under President Reagan, citing bias and mismanagement
- Rejoined in 2003 under President George W. Bush
- Announced withdrawal in 2017 under President Trump, which took effect in 2018
- Rejoined in 2023 during President Biden’s administration
- Announced second withdrawal under President Trump in July 2025, effective December 31, 2026 (2,4,5)
Recent Developments
The 2025 withdrawal follows renewed friction over UNESCO’s policies, including its stance on Israel and Palestine, and reflects broader ideological differences over the UN’s development priorities, specifically the emphasis on the SDGs (1,3,7).
Global Reactions and Implications
International Response
The international community expressed concern, with many viewing the withdrawal as a setback for multilateral cooperation in education, science, and culture. UNESCO officials and UN representatives warned that the exit could weaken global efforts in heritage preservation and sustainable development (1,2,4,10).
Potential Impact
- Funding: Historically a significant contributor, the U.S. represented about 8% of UNESCO’s budget at present. Its withdrawal may create financial shortfalls, although UNESCO’s efforts to diversify funding somewhat mitigate immediate impacts (1,5,8).
- Diplomacy: The decision may reduce U.S. influence within UN agencies and could affect partnerships in multilateral forums (1,5).
- Global Initiatives: UNESCO-led initiatives in education, science, and cultural preservation could face operational challenges without U.S. membership and funding (1,4).
What’s Next?
The U.S. will remain a full member of UNESCO until December 31, 2026. After the withdrawal becomes effective, it plans to continue engagement via non-member cooperation and technical partnerships, with both sides expressing willingness to maintain collaboration in areas of mutual interest (2,4).
Conclusion
The United States’ withdrawal from UNESCO reflects deep-seated disagreements over organizational priorities, including concerns over anti-Israel bias and ideological differences regarding the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. This move marks a significant shift in U.S. international policy and raises questions about the future dynamics of global cooperation in education, culture, and sustainable development. The global community will watch closely how UNESCO adapts to this change (1,2,3).
References:
- US to withdraw from UN scientific and cultural agency UNESCO
- UN laments US withdrawal from its educational and cultural agency – UN News
- The United States Withdraws from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) – U.S. State Department
- Withdrawal of the United States of America from UNESCO – Statement by Audrey Azoulay, Director-General
- US announces UNESCO withdrawal by 2026 – APA News
- The United States withdraws from UNESCO – Asia Plus
- Washington announces leaving UNESCO again – China Daily
- Trump pulls US out of UN cultural agency UNESCO for second time – Reuters
- Withdrawing the United States from and Ending Funding to Certain United Nations Organizations – The White House
- What to Know About the U.S. Move to Withdraw From UNESCO – The New York Times
