Trump Administration Withdraws US from UNESCO: What It Means for Culture and Global Collaboration

The U.S. has announced it will leave UNESCO, the United Nations’ cultural and educational agency. This decision is tied to claims that UNESCO supports “woke” social initiatives, which the U.S. government finds divisive.

UNESCO’s Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, expressed disappointment over the decision but noted it was somewhat expected. This step continues a trend from the Trump administration of distancing the U.S. from international organizations, following earlier withdrawals from the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement.

UNESCO, which consists of 194 member countries, is known for its World Heritage sites. The U.S. exit will officially take place in December 2026. The State Department criticized UNESCO for its “globalist agenda,” saying it conflicts with America’s priorities. They also pointed to the inclusion of Palestine in UNESCO in 2011 as a major sticking point, claiming it has led to biased rhetoric.

Azoulay countered these claims, highlighting UNESCO’s work in promoting Holocaust education and fighting antisemitism. She argued that the decision undermines multilateralism and could harm U.S. partners who rely on UNESCO for cultural recognition and support.

Historically, this isn’t the first time the U.S. has cut ties with UNESCO. In 2017, Trump withdrew the country from the organization, a move that was reversed under President Biden. Even before that, during the Obama administration, financial support was halted due to a law prohibiting funding after Palestine was granted full membership.

UNESCO was established in November 1945, right after World War II, to foster peace and cooperation through education, arts, and culture. As of now, about 8% of its budget comes from the U.S.

This withdrawal reflects an ongoing debate about how nations engage with international bodies. Some experts argue that collaboration is essential in today’s interconnected world, while others believe a more nationalistic approach better serves local interests. As global challenges continue to rise, this discussion is likely to be more important than ever.

For further insights on UNESCO’s role in global education, you can read more here.

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