Context:

The Trump administration has once again decided to withdraw the United States from UNESCO, citing concerns of anti-Israel bias and claiming U.S. involvement is not in its national interest. This decision comes two years after the Biden administration had rejoined the agency, following a previous five-year absence that began during Trump's first term. UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay expressed regret over the decision, denying the accusations of bias and emphasizing the agency's efforts in Holocaust education and fighting antisemitism. The U.S. has been a significant donor to UNESCO, but recent diversification of funding means American contributions now only constitute 8% of the agency’s budget. France, where UNESCO is headquartered, expressed regret over the U.S.'s decision, highlighting the agency's role in promoting global education, cultural protection, and tolerance since its inception in 1946.

Dive Deeper:

• The U.S. decision to withdraw from UNESCO, effective December 2026, aligns with the Trump administration's broader 'America First' approach, which has seen the U.S. step back from several U.N. agencies, including the World Health Organization and the U.N. human rights body.

• Concerns cited for the withdrawal include UNESCO's decision to admit the 'State of Palestine' as a member in 2011 and perceived anti-Israel rhetoric, which the U.S. claims contradicts its policy and interests.

• UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay refuted the claims of anti-Israel bias and emphasized the agency's efforts towards consensus-driven multilateralism and initiatives in Holocaust education and antisemitism prevention.

• Despite the U.S. being a major contributor in the past, UNESCO has diversified its funding, with American financial input now reduced to 8% of its total budget, and the agency remains committed to its mission despite this setback.

• The Biden administration's earlier decision to rejoin UNESCO was partly influenced by concerns over China's increasing influence in setting global standards for AI and technology education, areas where the U.S. sought to maintain its leadership.

• UNESCO's mission encompasses the preservation of cultural heritage through its World Heritage Sites program, which includes landmarks like the Taj Mahal and the Grand Canyon, and it plays a crucial role in promoting international education and scientific collaboration.

• France, where UNESCO is based, lamented the U.S. withdrawal, reiterating the agency's foundational goal of preventing conflicts through education, culture, and tolerance, and emphasizing its ongoing global priorities.