The US recently voted against establishing an International Day of Peaceful Coexistence and reaffirming the 2030 Agenda, which aims to promote sustainable development worldwide. This makes the US the only nation to reject the resolution, while a few others chose to abstain.
In another notable move, President Donald Trump has withdrawn the US from the board of a crucial United Nations climate fund. This fund is designed to assist developing countries affected by climate change disasters. A letter addressed to the fund’s co-chair indicated that the US will no longer participate in board activities, although it remains unclear if this means a complete exit from the fund itself.
This “loss and damage” fund was established during the COP27 summit in 2022, marking a significant achievement for developing nations that face challenges from climate change despite contributing minimally to the crisis. Almost 200 countries, including the US, agreed on forming this fund at COP28 the following year. By January 2025, pledges to the fund had reached $741 million, with the US contributing $17.5 million.
The 2030 Agenda, adopted by all UN members in 2015, lays out 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focused on issues like poverty reduction and gender equality. US representative Edward Heartney argued that these goals represent a form of global governance inconsistent with US sovereignty, stating a preference for prioritizing American interests.
Trump’s administration has made several moves reflecting its stance on climate initiatives. This includes withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement and halting international climate aid. Recently, a State Department delegation was also barred from attending a key climate meeting in China, and federal scientists were reportedly instructed to stop working on climate assessments.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) plays a crucial role in informing governments worldwide about climate change science and its risks. However, Trump’s recent actions, including barring US scientists from participating in IPCC activities, have raised concerns about the future of US involvement in international climate efforts.
