U.S. Announces Third Withdrawal from UNESCO, Citing "Divisive Causes" and "Anti-Israel Bias"
On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the United States, under the administration of President Donald Trump, officially announced its intention to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) once again. This decision marks the third time in its history that the U.S. has decided to leave the Paris-based agency. The withdrawal is set to become effective at the end of December 2026.
Reasons Cited for the Withdrawal:
The Trump administration provided several reasons for this latest withdrawal, largely reiterating concerns raised during previous U.S. exits from the organization:
"Divisive Social and Cultural Causes": A primary stated reason from the White House and State Department is that UNESCO "supports woke, divisive cultural and social causes" that are deemed "out-of-step with the commonsense policies that Americans voted for." Specific criticisms included UNESCO's 2023 "anti-racism toolkit" and its 2024 "Transforming MEN'talities" campaign, which the administration views as promoting a particular ideological agenda.
"Anti-Israel Bias" and Palestinian Membership: A significant and recurring factor is the perceived "anti-Israel bias" within the organization. The U.S. specifically highlighted UNESCO's 2011 decision to admit the "State of Palestine" as a full member, which Washington views as "highly problematic," contrary to U.S. policy, and contributing to "anti-Israel rhetoric" within the organization.
"Globalist, Ideological Agenda": The administration also criticized UNESCO's "outsized focus" on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), describing them as a "globalist, ideological agenda for international development at odds with our America First foreign policy." This reflects a broader skepticism towards multilateralism and international cooperation on certain social and environmental issues.
Concerns about China's Influence: Reports also indicated that the Trump administration expressed concerns about what it perceives as a "pro-China bias" within UNESCO, arguing that China has "leveraged its influence over UNESCO to advance global standards that are favorable to Beijing's interests."
Historical Context of U.S. UNESCO Relations:
The U.S. has had a complex and often tumultuous relationship with UNESCO:
First Withdrawal (1984-2003): The U.S. initially withdrew in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan, citing concerns about politicization, mismanagement, and perceived anti-Western bias, particularly regarding press freedom. It rejoined in 2003 under President George W. Bush.
Second Withdrawal (2017-2023): During President Donald Trump's first term, the U.S. announced its withdrawal again in 2017, which became effective in 2018. The reasons provided were largely identical to the current decision, focusing on "anti-Israel bias" and the perceived need for "fundamental reform."
Rejoining (2023): The Biden administration reversed this decision, with the U.S. rejoining UNESCO in July 2023. This move aimed to reassert U.S. influence in multilateral bodies, counter China's growing sway, and engage in important work such as Holocaust remembrance and setting ethical standards for artificial intelligence.
Current Withdrawal (Announced 2025, Effective 2026): This latest decision marks the third departure, occurring just two years after the U.S. had rejoined the organization.
Implications of the Withdrawal:
Financial Impact: While the U.S. historically contributed a significant portion of UNESCO's budget (around 22% before its 2017 withdrawal), UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay noted that the organization has undertaken major structural reforms and diversified its funding sources. The U.S. currently contributes about 8% of UNESCO's total budget, and Azoulay stated that the decreasing trend in U.S. financial contribution has already been "offset" by other member states and private contributors, with voluntary contributions doubling since 2018. Nevertheless, the withdrawal still represents a notable financial loss for the organization.
Symbolic and Diplomatic Blow: The withdrawal is widely seen as a significant symbolic blow to multilateralism and international cooperation. It diminishes U.S. influence within a key global organization responsible for preserving cultural heritage, promoting education and science, and fostering dialogue.
Impact on U.S. Partners and Interests: UNESCO's Director-General expressed regret, stating that the decision "contradicts the fundamental principles of multilateralism" and "may affect first and foremost our many partners in the United States of America," including communities seeking World Heritage site inscription, Creative City status, and University Chairs. Critics argue that the U.S. is abandoning essential collaborative work and potentially ceding positive international influence.
Global Programs: The withdrawal could impact global initiatives supported by UNESCO, such as those in climate education, AI ethics, gender equity in STEM fields, and crucial efforts to combat antisemitism and promote Holocaust education.
Continuity of UNESCO's Work: UNESCO leadership has stated that the organization was prepared for this announcement and will continue its core mission of "fostering peace through dialogue, education, and shared cultural understanding — with or without one of its founding members." They also aim to continue working with U.S. partners in the private, academic, and non-profit sectors, and to maintain political dialogue with the U.S. administration and Congress.
The latest U.S. withdrawal from UNESCO highlights a persistent tension between an "America First" foreign policy approach and multilateral engagement, revealing a recurring pattern of unpredictable U.S. involvement in international bodies.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
