The United States announced on Tuesday that it has withdrawn from UNESCO, accusing the UN’s cultural and education agency of bias against Israel and promoting divisive agendas.
A spokesperson for the US State Department stated, “Continued involvement in UNESCO is not in the national interest of the United States.”
The move had been anticipated under former President Donald Trump, who first withdrew the US from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 2017. President Joe Biden later restored American membership during his tenure.
State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce criticised UNESCO for what she described as promoting divisive social and cultural causes, and for its heavy emphasis on UN sustainability goals—calling them part of a “globalist, ideological agenda”.
Bruce also condemned UNESCO’s decision to admit Palestine as a member state, claiming it was “highly problematic” and contrary to US policy, further contributing to anti-Israel rhetoric within the agency.
UNESCO, whose mission includes promoting global education, scientific collaboration, and cultural understanding, is best known for its designation of World Heritage Sites. These include natural and historic landmarks such as Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Tanzania’s Serengeti, the Acropolis in Athens, and Egypt’s Pyramids.
This isn’t the first time the US has exited the organisation. President Ronald Reagan pulled the country out in the 1980s, citing corruption and pro-Soviet leanings. The US only rejoined under President George W. Bush.