For the second time in a decade, the United States is pulling out of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) , demonising its work as “woke” and “divisive,” reports Reuters.
UNESCO focuses on international cooperation, the conservation of World Heritage sites and promotion of Sustainable Development Goals aimed at ending poverty, protecting the planet and ensuring quality of life for all.
However, such goals apparently constitute “a globalist, ideological agenda for international development at odds with our America First foreign policy,” according to a statement issued by the US State Department, informing UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay of the country’s decision to withdraw. It also cited Palestine’s admission in 2011 as “highly problematic,” claiming the decision had “contributed to the proliferation of anti-Israel rhetoric” within UNESCO.
Azoulay said the decision, while “regrettable,” was expected and prepared for in advance. Major structural reforms over the last several years, she explained in a statement, have reduced UNESCO’s dependence on US financial support even as the organisation grows its budget.
[See more: Macao’s Historic Centre gears up to mark 20 years of UNESCO World Heritage status]
The lack of surprise is understandable, given Trump’s previous withdrawal and the familiar arguments he cited in February when ordering a review of membership. Azoulay noted as much while pointing out that the situation has “changed profoundly” since, framing UNESCO as “a rare forum for consensus on concrete and action-oriented multilateralism.” She also highlighted the organisation’s efforts to combat antisemitism and promote Holocaust education – work lauded by leading American Jewish organisations.
Trump is not the only US president to leave UNESCO. Ronald Reagan announced the US withdrawal in 1983, a decision that would not be reversed for two decades. China noted as much in its response to the withdrawal.
“It’s the third time the US has withdrawn from UNESCO. The country hasn’t paid arrears for a long time. This is not what a major country should do,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters at a regular press briefing Wednesday. He called on all countries “to reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism and take concrete action to support the UN-centred international system” as the organisation marks its 80th anniversary.
Formed in 1945, UNESCO counted the US among its founding members, nearly all of which signed the charter in San Francisco. The organisation aimed to promote world peace and security in the aftermath of World War II by facilitating international cooperation across key fields, bringing together governments, NGOs, intergovernmental organisations and private sector partners. The Paris-based organisation now boasts 12 associate members, including Macao, and 194 member states. That figure will drop to 193 at the end of December 2026, when the US withdrawal is complete.
