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US Withdraws from UNESCO, Citing Bias Against Israel

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United States has formally withdrawn from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for a second time, with the State Department citing the agency's alleged bias against Israel and promotion of a "divisive" agenda. The move had been anticipated under President Donald Trump, who had initially ordered the US to leave UNESCO in 2017. Despite a reversal by President Joe Biden in 2021, the US has now cut ties with the organization. The latest withdrawal has been met with criticism from UNESCO officials, who argue that the agency is focused on promoting international cooperation in education, culture, and science.

Key Takeaways:

  • The United States has withdrawn from UNESCO for a second time, citing the agency's bias against Israel and promotion of a "divisive" agenda.
  • The withdrawal was announced by State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, who accused UNESCO of pushing a "globalist, ideological agenda" and criticized its alignment with the UN's sustainability goals.
  • The US withdrawal is the latest move by the Trump administration to cut ties with multilateral institutions, with the agency's admission of Palestine as a member state also sparking criticism from the US.
  • UNESCO is known for designating world heritage sites and promoting international cooperation in education, culture, and science, with headquarters in Paris.
  • The US withdrawal from UNESCO is a significant blow to the organization, which has been working to promote global understanding and education since its establishment in 1945.

Statistics:

  • The US initially withdrew from UNESCO in 2017 under President Donald Trump's order.
  • President Joe Biden reversed the decision in 2021 and rejoined the agency.
  • The US withdrawal from UNESCO has been met with criticism from UNESCO officials, who argue that the agency is focused on promoting international cooperation in education, culture, and science.
  • UNESCO has over 190 member states participating in its programs and initiatives.
  • The agency is headquartered in Paris, with a budget of over $500 million in 2022.

Sources:

  • Express Web Desk
  • IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd.
  • Contify.com

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