The United States has formally announced its intention to withdraw fromUNESCO, the United Nations agency dedicated to education, science and culture. The organization’s director-general, Audrey Azoulay, received the official communication from Washington, which envisions an effective exit by the end of 2026. The U.S. move thus marks a significant step in U.S. foreign policy, distancing itself from some multilateral bodies deemed no longer consistent with the America First strategy.
According to official U.S. sources, the decision is based on the assumption that continued participation within UNESCO no longer meets the country’s national interests. U.S. authorities accuse the agency of promoting social and cultural causes deemed divisive, as well as maintaining a disproportionate focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The latter, according to Washington, represent a globalist agenda, oriented by an international ideology that would stand at odds with the current U.S. policy line on development and global relations.
Another central issue in the rift between Washington and UNESCO concerns the recognition of the “State of Palestine” as a full member. The United States considers this admission contrary to its official policy and believes it has fostered hostile rhetoric toward Israel within the organization. According to the position expressed by the U.S. government, this decision has contributed to a climate of tension and growing polarization that makes multilateral collaboration increasingly difficult in a sphere that, in its original intentions, should promote international dialogue and cooperation.
The State Department has made it clear that the decision to leave UNESCO does not represent a blanket disengagement from international organizations, but rather a reprioritization based on criteria that prioritize the national interest. With this in mind, future U.S. participation in international forums and fora will take place, the official note states, under the banner of clarity and conviction, placing American objectives at the center without compromising with visions deemed ideologically distant.
The withdrawal procedure is based on Article II(6) of the UNESCO Constitution, which governs how member states leave. According to this provision, the effective termination of participation will occur on December 31, 2026. Until that date, the United States will retain its status as a full member of the organization, with all the rights and duties provided. The decision on withdrawal from UNESCO thus appears to be a clear signal of the new U.S. diplomatic course, geared toward redefining the architecture of alliances and relations with global institutions.
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