MWE Correspondent
The United States has once again announced its withdrawal from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), citing long-standing concerns over what it views as the agency’s bias against Israel and its stance on the Palestinian statehood issue.
The move, confirmed on Tuesday by U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, follows a period of renewed engagement after the U.S. rejoined the agency in 2023 under the Biden administration. The initial withdrawal occurred in 2018 during Donald Trump‘s presidency, who accused UNESCO of fostering anti-Israel sentiment and allowing political bias to interfere with its global mission.
According to Bruce, the key reason for the exit remains UNESCO’s 2011 decision to grant full membership to the State of Palestine. She described this as “a deeply problematic move” that “undermines U.S. foreign policy and promotes narratives that are counterproductive to peace in the Middle East.”
The U.S. does not recognize Palestine as a sovereign state outside of negotiations, and its entry into international bodies like UNESCO has long been viewed by Washington as premature and politically charged. Critics of the U.S. decision, however, argue that withdrawing limits America’s influence in shaping global values and policy, particularly on issues like press freedom, gender equality, and climate education.
Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO’s Director-General and a former French Minister of Culture, expressed regret over the U.S. decision, noting the progress made in recent years to restore trust and depoliticize the organization’s work.
“UNESCO plays a critical role in preserving world heritage, promoting inclusive education, and facilitating cooperation on global science and ethics,” Azoulay said in a statement.
UNESCO has also taken significant steps to address American concerns in the past, including reforms in financial transparency and organizational neutrality. However, the latest decision once again places multilateral diplomacy under strain.
This is not the first time the U.S. has cut ties with UNESCO. In 1984, under Ronald Reagan, the U.S. exited the agency over allegations of mismanagement and ideological bias. It rejoined in 2003 under George W. Bush, signaling a shift toward global engagement.
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Despite intermittent cooperation, the issue of Middle East politics, particularly the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, has remained a flashpoint. In 2011, after Palestine’s admission, the U.S. immediately halted funding to UNESCO, which significantly affected the agency’s budget. According to UNESCO reports, the U.S. once provided up to 22% of its funding.
Analysts say the U.S. exit could allow rising powers like China and Russia to gain greater influence over global narratives on education, culture, and technological ethics. UNESCO has increasingly been involved in issues surrounding artificial intelligence and digital transformation, areas where the U.S. has historically played a key leadership role.
“The U.S. is not just giving up a seat at the table—it’s giving up the opportunity to shape the future,” said one former U.S. ambassador to UNESCO.
Meanwhile, supporters of Israel have welcomed the move, viewing it as a necessary step to challenge what they consider persistent bias within international institutions. Groups aligned with this perspective argue that UNESCO has, in the past, downplayed Jewish historical connections to key heritage sites, such as Jerusalem.
The U.S. withdrawal will be finalized at the end of the year, following a formal diplomatic process. While this step could be reversed by a future administration, the back-and-forth participation highlights growing challenges in maintaining stable engagement within international organizations.
