The United States on Tuesday announced its withdrawal from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), accusing the global body of promoting “divisive” social causes and harbouring bias against Israel.
“Continued involvement in UNESCO is not in the national interest of the United States,” said State Department spokeswoman, Tammy Bruce.
The development marks a renewed disengagement from the UN cultural agency, a move previously carried out during the administration of former President Donald Trump, who first initiated the pull-out in 2017. The US later rejoined under President Joe Biden.
Bruce criticised UNESCO’s focus on global sustainability goals, describing them as part of a “globalist, ideological agenda.” She also condemned the agency’s decision to admit Palestine as a member state, branding it “highly problematic” and contrary to long-standing US policy.
“UNESCO’s decision to admit the ‘State of Palestine’ as a member state is highly problematic, contrary to US policy, and contributed to the proliferation of anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization,” she said.
Founded in 1945, UNESCO is widely known for its role in preserving world heritage sites such as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Serengeti in Tanzania, the Pyramids of Egypt, and the Acropolis in Athens. It also promotes global cooperation in education, science and cultural understanding.
The US exit from the agency is not unprecedented. In the 1980s, President Ronald Reagan pulled the country out of UNESCO, citing corruption and pro-Soviet leanings. The US later rejoined in 2003 during George W. Bush’s presidency.
