22.07.2025 18:02
In the United States, President Donald Trump decided to withdraw from UNESCO during his second term as well. In a statement from the Department of State regarding the matter, it was noted that the decision would take effect on December 31, 2026. Additionally, one of the reasons for the withdrawal was cited as "UNESCO's acceptance of 'the State of Palestine' as a Member State."
The USA is withdrawing from UNESCO once again. In a statement from the U.S. Department of State, it was expressed that the Washington administration informed UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay of its decision to withdraw from UNESCO today. It was stated that the withdrawal decision will take effect on December 31, 2026.
THEY USED PALESTINE'S MEMBERSHIP AS AN EXCUSE
In the statement, it was said, "Continuing participation in UNESCO is not in the national interests of the USA. UNESCO is working to promote divisive social and cultural issues and continues to focus excessively on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, which is a globalist, ideological international development agenda that contradicts our 'America First' foreign policy. The decision to accept 'the state of Palestine' as a Member State is extremely problematic, contrary to U.S. policy, and has contributed to the proliferation of anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization."
"WE ARE SORRY"
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed her deep sorrow over Trump's decision to withdraw the USA from the organization once again in her statement. Azoulay stated, "This decision is contrary to the fundamental principles of multilateralism and can affect many of our partners in the USA. These include communities and universities that wish to be included in the World Heritage List and gain Creative City status. As sad as it is, this announcement was expected, and UNESCO was prepared for it."
TRUMP HAD WITHDRAWN DURING HIS FIRST TERM AS WELL
U.S. President Donald Trump had also withdrawn from many international organizations, including UNESCO, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Human Rights Council, during his first term in 2017, as well as from international agreements aimed at stopping climate change and Iran's nuclear weapons acquisition efforts. However, former President Joe Biden, who took office in 2021, reversed these decisions and brought the USA back to UNESCO, WHO, and the climate agreement.
THE USA ACCOUNTS FOR ABOUT 8% OF THE TOTAL BUDGET
The USA accounts for approximately 8% of the total budget of UNESCO, which has 194 members and is headquartered in Paris. This rate was about 20% during the period when Trump first withdrew the USA from the organization. Israel had ceased funding to UNESCO in 2011 and withdrew from the organization in 2019.