On 22/7, the White House announced President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the US from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The withdrawal is expected to take effect on 31/12/2026, the end of the next fiscal year, as per UNESCO regulations.

"President Trump always puts America first and ensures US membership in any international organization aligns with national interests," Deputy White House Press Secretary Anna Kelly explained.

After his second inauguration, Trump signed an executive order in February directing a 90-day review of US membership in UNESCO. The Trump administration accused UNESCO of "promoting divisive cultural and social issues that contradict policies supported by American voters."

A White House official told the New York Post that after the three-month review, administration officials "expressed concerns about UNESCO's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies."

The UNESCO logo at its headquarters in Paris, France, on 17/1. Photo: AFP

The UNESCO logo at its headquarters in Paris, France, on 17/1. Photo: AFP

Among the DEI policies cited by the official were UNESCO's 2023 "anti-racism toolkit" and the 2024 "transforming men's mindsets" initiative.

The toolkit encouraged member states to self-assess and enact anti-racism policies. The "transforming men's mindsets" initiative produced a report on UNESCO's efforts in India to reshape men's views on gender.

These policies are part of UNESCO's sustainable development goals and global equality initiatives. However, the Trump administration and US conservatives view DEI as a left-wing ideology with problematic racial, gender, and political content.

Since returning to the White House, Trump has sought to eliminate DEI from the military and federal agencies. UNESCO's promotion of DEI is therefore seen as contrary to US interests.

Trump also instructed officials to investigate any "antisemitism or anti-Israel bias" within UNESCO in his February executive order.

The US State Department considers UNESCO's recognition of Palestine as a member state a "serious issue that contradicts US policy and contributes to anti-Israel sentiment," given Israel's status as a US ally.

The White House official said the review revealed UNESCO frequently uses language emphasizing that Palestine is "occupied by Israel." The organization condemned Israel during the Gaza conflict but didn't criticize Hamas for its October 2023 incursion into southern Israel.

US-UNESCO relations have been strained since 2011 when Palestine became its 195th member. During his first term, Trump withdrew the US from UNESCO in October 2017, citing alleged antisemitism.

UNESCO officials denied the antisemitism allegations, stating that all announcements in the past 8 years were agreed upon by both Israel and Palestine. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said the US announcement wasn't surprising and the organization had prepared for it. "The accusations contradict UNESCO's actual efforts, especially in Holocaust education and combating antisemitism," she said.

The US also believes China, now UNESCO's largest donor, exerts significant influence and is pushing the organization to serve Beijing's interests.

UNESCO hasn't commented. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiacun expressed "regret" over the US decision on 23/7. "This is not how a responsible power should act," Guo said. "China firmly supports UNESCO's work."

Trump's decision sparked mixed reactions. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar thanked the US for its support. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called Trump's decision "short-sighted" and said it "gives China an advantage."

Regarding potential consequences, Azoulay said UNESCO has implemented "major structural reforms" and diversified funding to reduce reliance on US contributions, which now account for about 8% of its budget, down from about 20% before Trump's first withdrawal.

"At this time, the organization is not considering any staff reductions," Azoulay said.

President Donald Trump at the White House on 22/7. Photo: AFP

President Donald Trump at the White House on 22/7. Photo: AFP

Founded in 1945 to promote peace through education, science, culture, and communication, UNESCO is best known for its World Heritage sites. Its list includes over 1,200 sites, with 26 in the US.

The US initially joined UNESCO in 1945 but withdrew in 1984, alleging mismanagement and anti-US bias. It rejoined in 2003 under President George W. Bush after purported reforms. The US withdrew a second time in late 2018 during Trump's first term. In 2023, President Joe Biden rejoined, signaling a commitment to restoring US global leadership.

UNESCO sources indicate the US will retain representation on the World Heritage Committee even after officially leaving, as it did in 2017.

"The US has been and will always be welcome back to UNESCO," Azoulay said.

Nhu Tam (New York Post, Reuters, AFP)