The United States has announced its intention to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), a decision set to take effect at the end of next year. The US State Department confirmed the move in a statement released Tuesday in Washington.
Justification for the departure centers on the assertion that continued participation in UNESCO is not aligned with the “national interest” of the United States. Officials cited concerns that the organization’s focus has shifted too prominently towards UN sustainability goals, encompassing objectives such as poverty eradication, environmental protection and climate change mitigation. The State Department characterized this emphasis as representing a “globalist, ideological agenda.
Another point of contention identified by the US government involves UNESCO’s acceptance of Palestine as a member state, which officials deemed “highly problematic.
The announcement indicates a future focus for US engagement with international organizations will prioritize the advancement of American interests. This withdrawal marks a return to a similar stance previously adopted during Donald Trump’s presidency, when the United States exited UNESCO in 2018 before rejoining the organization two years ago.
