US to withdraw from UNESCO, gives reason

The United States announced on Tuesday that it will withdraw from UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

This is the latest move by the Trump administration to reduce US participation in international organizations.

The withdrawal will take effect at the end of next year, according to the State Department and reflects President Trump’s deep mistrust of multilateralism and institutions tied to the United Nations.

“Continued involvement in UNESCO is not in the national interest of the United States,” said Tammy Bruce, a State Department spokeswoman.

Bruce accused the organization of promoting “divisive social and cultural causes.”

She also criticized UNESCO’s emphasis on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, calling them “a globalist, ideological agenda for international development at odds with our America First foreign policy.”

UNESCO, based in Paris, has had a long and often tense relationship with the U.S.

In 2011, the United States stopped funding the organization after it granted full membership to Palestine.

That decision, required by US law, cut nearly 20% of UNESCO’s budget and forced it to slash programs.

In 2017, during Trump’s first term, the US announced its withdrawal, citing anti-Israel bias. It remained a nonmember observer.

The Biden administration rejoined in 2023, arguing that US absence had allowed China to expand its influence within the agency.

In February, President Trump signed an executive order to review US funding to UN agencies, including UNESCO.

At the time, White House staff secretary Will Scharf said UNESCO showed an “anti-American bias.”

UNESCO is best known for designating World Heritage sites. It has recognized over 1,200 locations since 1972.

These include Palmyra in Syria, the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan, Petra’s Treasury in Jordan, and several US national parks.

It also maintains a list of “intangible cultural heritage,” including the French baguette and opera singing in Italy.

UNESCO runs education programs and promotes literacy, sex education, clean water, and women’s equality.

It also helps set global standards in areas like ocean protection and artificial intelligence ethics.

The US decision signals a renewed shift away from global cooperation under Trump’s leadership.

(Tribune Nigeria)