The withdrawal was announced, citing the agency’s support for woke and divisive causes and anti-Israel bias.
- This marks the third US exit from UNESCO and the second under the current leadership.
- Additionally, the US also took steps to withdraw from other UN bodies and agencies, such as the WHO, and significantly reduced funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine.
Impact of US withdrawal
- Budgetary Impact: The US contributes nearly 8% of UNESCO’s total budget.
- Geopolitical Impact: The withdrawal may create space for increased influence by other powers, particularly China.
- Impact on Multilateralism: Exiting a UN body may weaken trust in multilateral institutions and signal a retreat from global cooperation.
About UNESCO
- It is a specialized agency of the United Nations.
- Purpose: To contribute to peace and security by promoting collaboration among the nations through education, science and culture.
- Its Headquarters in Paris serves as the Organization's main building.
- It has 194 Members and 12 Associate Members.
- Key Reports and Initiatives:
- Global Education Monitoring Report
- World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme
