The United States has officially announced its withdrawal from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), effective December 31, 2026.
This decision, conveyed by U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce on Tuesday, marks a symbolic break in Washington’s engagement with international institutions, driven by accusations that the organization is overly politicized and misaligned with the “America First” foreign policy agenda.
According to an official statement, Washington justified its withdrawal by asserting that continued involvement with UNESCO no longer serves U.S. national interests. The organization is accused of promoting “divisive” social and cultural causes and focusing excessively on “globalist” United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which are deemed contrary to U.S. foreign policy principles. Furthermore, the United States criticized UNESCO’s decision to admit the “State of Palestine” as a member, arguing it contravenes American policy and has fueled anti-Israeli rhetoric within the body.
UNESCO’s reaction and resilience
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, expressed deep regret over the U.S. decision, calling it contrary to the principles of multilateralism. In a statement issued Tuesday in Paris, she reiterated that while regrettable, the announcement was anticipated. Azoulay highlighted significant structural reforms undertaken by UNESCO in recent years, including diversifying its funding and reducing its reliance on American contributions, which now constitute only 8 percent of the total budget, down from historical highs of 40 percent in some other UN agencies.
The Director-General underscored UNESCO’s recent successes, such as the rehabilitation of Mosul’s Old City, the adoption of the first global framework on artificial intelligence ethics, and its vital work promoting culture and education in conflict zones (Ukraine, Lebanon, Yemen), alongside efforts to combat anti-Semitism through Holocaust education. She emphasized that UNESCO remains a rare forum for concrete multilateral consensus, affirming that the United States is always welcome to return.
Azoulay assured that UNESCO would continue its missions despite an anticipated decline in resources. The organization plans to maintain collaborations with American partners across the private, academic, and non-profit sectors, as well as with U.S. authorities.
The official withdrawal will take effect on December 31, 2026, in accordance with Article II (6) of the UNESCO Constitution, with the United States remaining a full member until that date. Washington also indicated that its future participation in international organizations will exclusively prioritize the clear and resolute defense of its national interests.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA