US announces withdrawal from UNESCO again

The US believes that UNESCO promotes divisive issues and focuses on an agenda that runs counter to Mr Trump's America First policy.

President Donald Trump's administration withdraws the US from UNESCO for the second time - Photo: REUTERS

"Today, the United States informed Director-General Audrey Azoulay of the United States' decision to withdraw from UNESCO. Continued participation in UNESCO is not in the national interest of the United States," US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce announced on July 22.

The US withdrawal from the United Nations Educational , Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will take effect on December 31, 2026. Washington will remain a full member of UNESCO until then.

In a statement, the US State Department accused UNESCO of "promoting divisive social and cultural issues" and of focusing too much on the UN's sustainable development goals, "a globalist, ideological agenda for international development that is at odds with our America First foreign policy." Washington also criticized UNESCO's anti-Israel stance in recognizing Palestine as a member state.

The announcement comes as no surprise, as President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from UNESCO in 2017, as well as other international agencies during his previous term. President Joe Biden reversed those decisions upon taking office in 2021.

When Mr Trump returned to the White House earlier this year, the US left organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO).

"I deeply regret President Donald Trump's decision to once again withdraw the United States from UNESCO. While regrettable, this announcement was expected, and UNESCO has been preparing for it," director-general Audrey Azoulay said afterward.

Previously, the New York Post quoted a White House official as saying that Mr. Trump had requested a review of US participation in UNESCO immediately after taking office in February 2021.

"President Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from UNESCO, an organization that promotes divisive cultural and social goals, is completely inconsistent with the common sense policies that Americans voted for in November 2024," said White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly.

Reuters news agency also cited two European diplomats confirming this information.

The move would be a major blow to UNESCO, which was established after World War II to promote peace through international cooperation in education, science and culture. The United States currently contributes about 8% of UNESCO’s total budget, down from about 20% when Mr. Trump first withdrew Washington from the organization.

TRAN PHUONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/my-tuyen-bo-rut-khoi-unesco-mot-lan-nua-20250722201540148.htm