• Unesco boss says decision regrettable but expected.
• White House says Unseco supports ‘woke’ causes.
• Israel welcomes US decision to pull out.

President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the UN cultural agency Unesco and education agency on Tuesday, repeating a move he had already ordered during his first term, which had been reversed under Joe Biden. The UN cultural agency Unesco has been a significant player in promoting peace and cultural understanding worldwide.

This decision marks a significant moment in international relations, echoing previous withdrawals that have stirred controversy. Trump’s first term was characterized by a series of similar withdrawals from global agreements aimed at fostering international cooperation. This latest action reflects ongoing tensions around global governance and national sovereignty.

The withdrawal from the Paris-based agency, which was founded after World War Two to promote peace through international cooperation in education, science, and culture, will take effect on December 31, 2026.

The decision to withdraw from the UN cultural agency Unesco is seen by many as a step backwards in terms of global collaboration and support for international cultural initiatives.

“President Trump has decided to withdraw the United States from Unesco – which supports woke, divisive cultural and social causes that are totally out-of-step with the commonsense policies that Americans voted for in November,” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said.

The State Department said remaining in Unesco was not in the national interest, accusing it of having “a globalist, ideological agenda for international development at odds with our America First foreign policy”.

The UN cultural agency Unesco has been instrumental in supporting educational programs around the world, and this withdrawal may diminish those efforts.

Unesco chief Audrey Azoulay said she deeply regretted Trump’s decision, but that it was “expected, and Unesco has prepared for it”.

The agency had diversified its sources of funding, receiving only about 8% of its budget from Washington, she said.

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X: “Unwavering support for Unesco, universal protector of science, the ocean, education, culture, and world heritage.”

“The withdrawal of the United States will not weaken our commitment to those who are fighting this battle.”

The implications of this withdrawal extend beyond immediate policy. Cultural agencies like Unesco play a vital role in promoting global education initiatives and preserving world heritage. The UN cultural agency Unesco’s loss of US involvement may lead to a decrease in funding and support for these critical programs, potentially affecting educational projects in developing countries.

UN cultural agency Unesco

Unesco was one of several international bodies Trump withdrew from during his first term, along with the World Health Organization, the Paris Agreement global climate change accord and the UN Human Rights Council. During his second term, he has largely reinstated those steps.

Critics of the decision argue that the UN cultural agency Unesco has been crucial in fostering international dialogue and cooperation, which could be jeopardized by this withdrawal.

Unesco officials said the US withdrawal would have some limited impact on programs the United States was financing.

Tensions?

Israel welcomed the US decision to quit Unesco.

The US State Department said one of the reasons for the withdrawal was Unesco’s decision to admit Palestine as a member state, which was “contrary to US policy and contributed to the proliferation of anti-Israel rhetoric within the organisation.”

Unesco officials said all relevant agency statements had been agreed with both Israel and the Palestinians over the past eight years.

“The reasons put forward by the United States to withdraw from the Organisation are the same as seven years ago even though the situation has changed profoundly, political tensions have receded, and Unesco today constitutes a rare forum for consensus on concrete and action-oriented multilateralism,” Azoulay said.

Many see the UN cultural agency Unesco as an essential platform for addressing global challenges through education and cultural exchange.

This move has reignited discussions about the role of the US in global governance and cultural diplomacy. Critics argue that distancing from agencies like Unesco could undermine efforts to foster cultural understanding and collaboration on a global scale. The decision could be viewed as part of a broader trend towards nationalism, where countries prioritize their own agendas over collective action.

“These claims also contradict the reality of Unesco’s efforts, particularly in the field of Holocaust education and the fight against antisemitism.”

Moreover, the timing of this announcement raises questions about the US’s commitment to international agreements and the values represented by institutions like Unesco. As the world faces challenges such as climate change, global health crises, and cultural preservation, multilateral cooperation becomes increasingly important. The withdrawal could signal a retreat from these collective efforts, leading to potential isolation for the US in future international negotiations.

Diplomats said it was felt at Unesco that the withdrawal was inevitable for political reasons, given that Biden had brought the US back and had promised to repay arrears from the first time Trump pulled out.

Unesco, whose full name is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, is best known for designating World Heritage Sites, including the Grand Canyon in the United States and the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria.

As the UN cultural agency Unesco continues to designate World Heritage Sites, the implications of the US withdrawal may hinder these efforts.

In addition, the debate surrounding Unesco’s funding and its perceived ideological leanings highlights the broader political divides within the US. The characterization of Unesco as ‘woke’ taps into a narrative that resonates with certain voter bases while alienating others who view global cooperation as essential. This polarization complicates the US’s ability to engage meaningfully in international discussions and partnerships.

The United States initially joined Unesco at its founding in 1945 but withdrew for the first time in 1984 in protest against alleged financial mismanagement and perceived anti-US bias, returning in 2003 under President George W Bush, who said the agency had undertaken needed reforms.

Unesco’s role in fostering international cooperation highlights the need for the US to remain engaged with organizations like the UN cultural agency Unesco.