The United States has formally announced its decision to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), citing fundamental policy disagreements and national interest concerns. The announcement was made public on July 22, 2025, through an official statement issued by U.S State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
In the Statement, the U.S communicated to UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay that continued American involvement in the organization “is not in the national interest of the United States.” The withdrawal is scheduled to take effect on December 31, 2026, in accordance with Article II(6) of the UNESCO Constitution.
According to the U.S department of State, the decision stems from UNESCO’S ideological direction and its embrace of global development initiatives that conflict with Washington’s “America First” foreign policy. The statement criticizes UNESCO for promoting “divisive social and cultural causes”
and giving “outsized focus” to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which the U.S views as part of a “globalist” agenda.
Controversial Admission of Palestine
A key issue highlighted by the U.S is UNESCO’s 2011 decision to admit the “State of Palestine” as a full member state. The State department labeled this move as “highly problematic,” arguing that it contradicted U.S policy and helped fuel anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization.
This long-standing dispute over Palestine’s membership has previously led to U.S funding cuts to UNESCO, as well as temporary withdrawals, such as the one in 2017 during the Trump administration. Although the Biden administration restored U.S membership in 2023, the latest withdrawal signals a significant shift and renewed hardline stance.
Shift in International Engagement
The U.S emphasized that its broader participation in international bodies will prioritize “advancing American interests with clarity and conviction.” This indicates a continued selective approach to global cooperation, especially in organizations perceived to undermine key U.S allies or values.
What’s Next?
Until the withdrawal takes formal effect at the end of 2026, the United States will remain a full member of UNESCO, continuing to fulfill its obligations, it is still unclear whether the U.S will retain the observer status after the exit or if further cuts to cultural and educational collaborations will follow.
Global Reaction
Reactions from global partners, especially UNESCO Member States and pro-Palestinian advocates, are expected in the coming days. Historically, UNESCO has defended its inclusion policies and promoted cultural cooperation regardless of political disagreements.
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