Washington, DC, July 22: The United States has announced that it will once again leave UNESCO, the United Nations’ cultural and educational agency on Tuesday. The decision comes just two years after the United States rejoined the organisation. This is the second time that the US is exiting UNESCO under US President Donald Trump's leadership.
As per reports from the New York Post, the US government says it is leaving because of what it calls a continuing "anti-Israel bias" within UNESCO. Officials claim the organisation is unfair in how it treats Israel.
Third Time US Leaves UNESCO
This will be the third time that the US has pulled out of UNESCO and the second time under President Donald Trump. During his first term, Trump had already withdrawn the US from the agency. The country later rejoined in 2023, when Joe Biden was president.
Now, under Trump’s leadership again, the US plans to leave by the end of December 2026.
UNESCO works to promote education, science, culture and freedom of expression around the world. The US has been one of its major financial supporters in the past.
Critics of the decision worry that another exit may weaken the US's role in global cultural and educational efforts.
What Is UNESCO?
UNESCO stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. It is a part of the United Nations that works to bring peace and cooperation among countries through education, science, culture and communication. It was started in 1945. UNESCO’s main goal is to help people understand and respect each other by protecting cultural sites, supporting education for everyone, encouraging scientific work and defending free speech.
One of its well-known programs is the World Heritage Sites list, which helps protect important natural and cultural places around the world. Its headquarters is in Paris, France, and nearly 200 countries are members.
When Did US Joined UNESCO?
The United States joined UNESCO when it was founded in 1945. However, it left the organisation in 1984, saying it was unhappy with how money was being used and felt the agency was unfair to the US. The US rejoined in 2003 under President George W. Bush, who said UNESCO had made important improvements.
