By Deborah Nnamdi
The United States announced on Tuesday that it has withdrawn from UNESCO, the United Nations’ cultural and education agency known for designating World Heritage sites.
The decision was attributed to the organization’s alleged bias against Israel and its promotion of what the U.S. called “divisive” causes.
“Continued involvement in UNESCO is not in the national interest of the United States,” said State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce.
She criticized the agency for advancing “globalist, ideological” sustainability goals and for taking positions that the U.S. views as hostile to Israel.
Bruce specifically cited UNESCO’s 2011 decision to admit Palestine as a member state, calling it “highly problematic” and contrary to U.S. policy. She argued that this move had fueled anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization.
The move had been anticipated under former President Donald Trump, who initially withdrew the U.S. from UNESCO in 2017. President Joe Biden later restored membership during his administration.
This is not the first time the U.S. has left the agency. President Ronald Reagan withdrew in the 1980s over concerns about corruption and a pro-Soviet bias, with the U.S. rejoining under President George W. Bush.
UNESCO, for its part, maintains that its mission is to promote education, cultural understanding, and scientific cooperation. It oversees a global list of heritage sites including the Great Barrier Reef, the Serengeti, the Acropolis, and the Pyramids of Egypt.
