United States Withdraws from UNESCO, Citing Bias Against Israel
On Tuesday, the United States announced its withdrawal from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The decision is based on allegations of bias against Israel and the promotion of divisive issues.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tami Bruce stated, “Continuing participation in UNESCO does not serve the national interest of the United States.”
In response, UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed regret over the U.S. decision, though she acknowledged that it was anticipated. “I am very sorry about President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from UNESCO… While this is unfortunate, it was expected, and UNESCO was prepared for it,” she said.
The decision aligns with previous remarks made by Trump during his first term in 2017, when he also announced the U.S. withdrawal from the organization. The U.S. later rejoined UNESCO under President Joe Biden.
Bruce criticized UNESCO for promoting “social and cultural issues that are divisive” and emphasized the organization’s excessive focus on United Nations sustainability goals, describing it as following a “globalization-based ideological agenda.” She also noted UNESCO’s recognition of Palestine as a member state, which she stated contradicts U.S. policy and has fostered anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization.
Israel’s Reaction
Israel welcomed the U.S. decision. Foreign Minister Gidon Sa’ar thanked Washington for its “moral support and leadership.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he called the withdrawal a necessary step to enhance justice and Israel’s right to fair treatment within the UN system, a right he claims has often been violated due to politicization.
The UN organization aims to support education, scientific cooperation, and cultural understanding. It also oversees a list of heritage sites, including unique environmental and architectural landmarks, ranging from the Great Barrier Reef off Australia to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and historic sites like the Acropolis in Athens and the pyramids in Egypt.
Donald Trump was not the first U.S. president to withdraw from UNESCO. The late Ronald Reagan made a similar decision in the 1980s, citing corruption and pro-Soviet bias within the organization. The U.S. returned to UNESCO during George W. Bush’s presidency.
