Trump Pulls the U.S. Out of UNESCO Again

The United States has announced its decision to withdraw from UNESCO, the United Nations' cultural and educational agency, accusing the organization of “promoting woke, divisive cultural and societal agendas.”

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay described the decision as “regrettable” but “expected.”

“This decision goes against the core principles of multilateralism and, above all, could affect many of our partners in the United States—communities seeking World Heritage status, Creative City designation, or participation in University Chairs…”

This move marks the latest step in the Trump administration’s efforts to cut ties with international organizations, following the withdrawal from the World Health Organization, the Paris Climate Agreement, and cuts to foreign aid funding.

UNESCO received around 8% of its budget from the U.S.

Trump had previously withdrawn the U.S. from UNESCO during his first presidency in 2017, a decision later reversed under the Biden administration.

The current decision will take effect in December 2026.

UNESCO, headquartered in Paris with 194 member states worldwide, was founded in November 1945, shortly after World War II, with the aim of promoting peace and security through global cooperation in education, the arts, science, and culture.

Source: BBC