Global Geo-political Series: U.S. withdraws from UNESCO program

In another sign that President Trump will continue to reign over U.S. contribution to global organizations and will continue to play by its promise, the Trump administration has announced that it is going to withdraw from the United Nations’ cultural agency UNESCO, which is responsible for corralling international cooperation on issues such as science and education and designating world heritage sites citing U.S. concerns with mounting arrears at UNESCO, the need for fundamental reforms and the organization’s continuing anti-Israel bias.

Here is the full statement from the U.S. state department on the issue,

“On October 12, 2017, the Department of State notified UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova of the U.S. decision to withdraw from the organization and to seek to establish a permanent observer mission to UNESCO. This decision was not taken lightly, and reflects U.S. concerns with mounting arrears at UNESCO, the need for fundamental reform in the organization, and continuing anti-Israel bias at UNESCO.

The United States indicated to the Director General its desire to remain engaged with UNESCO as a non-member observer state in order to contribute U.S. views, perspectives and expertise on some of the important issues undertaken by the organization, including the protection of world heritage, advocating for press freedoms, and promoting scientific collaboration and education.

Pursuant to Article II(6) of the UNESCO Constitution, U.S. withdrawal will take effect on December 31, 2018. The United States will remain a full member of UNESCO until that time.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the U.S. decision brave and moral and confirmed that Israel will join the United States in withdrawing from the UNESCO. UNESCO chief Irina Bokova called the U.S. decision regrettable.​

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