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US pulls out of UNESCO

Syllabus:

GS2: Important International institutions, agencies, and fora- their structure, mandate.

Context: Recently, the United States has once again withdrawn from UNESCO, reigniting a decades-old pattern of disengagement with the United Nations’ cultural agency.

More on the News

• The trigger this time is familiar is that the organization's recognition of Palestine as a member state.

• The inclusion of Palestine fuels anti-Israel rhetoric within the organisation, according to the USA. 

• Palestine was added as a member state of the agency after 107 members voted in favour of it to 14 against, with 52 abstentions during UNESCO’s General Conference in 2011.

History of USA with UNESCO

1945: The U.S. was a founding member of UNESCO in 1945.

1984: The Reagan administration withdrew, citing corruption, mismanagement and a pro-Soviet bias.

2003: The US eventually re-joined under George W Bush. 

2011: In 2011, under Obama, the USA withdrew from UNESCO ironically over Palestine’s membership issue.

2018: In 2018, the US withdrew from UNESCO again, citing anti-Israel bias.

  • Both the US and Israel halted funding after UNESCO voted to admit Palestine as a member.
  • The funding cut left UNESCO with nearly 20% less of its budget, forcing significant program cuts.

2023: After Biden took office, the US rejoined UNESCO, citing concerns over China filling its policymaking void.

Impact of the USA withdrawal on UNESCO

• Losing nearly 8% of its budget poses immediate operational challenges for UNESCO.

• The withdrawal reflects broader struggles of global institutions amid rising populism and nationalism.

• The withdrawal coincides with UNESCO's heritage expansion, undermining its efforts on digital literacy and cultural preservation without broad support.

UNESCO’s Contribution in GAZA

• It has helped around 1,580 displaced children in shelters across Khan Younis and Rafah in Southern Gaza through mental health and psychosocial support activities.

• In addition, 810 caregivers have attended psychosocial support workshops, improving their ability to care for themselves and the children they support.

 About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

• It is a specialized agency of the United Nations that works to promote international cooperation in education, science, culture and communication. 

• HQ: Paris 

• It aims to build peace through these collaborations and is dedicated to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Establishment: In 1942, during World War II, the governments of European countries fighting against Germany and its allies met in the UK for the Conference of Allied Ministers of Education (CAME).

  • Based on CAME’s proposal, a United Nations Conference was held in London in November 1945 to create an organization focused on education and culture.
  • As a result, UNESCO was established on 16 November 1945.Its first General Conference session took place in Paris between November and December 1946.

• The organization has 194 full members and 12 associate members.

• Countries that are not part of the United Nations can still join UNESCO if the Executive Board recommends them and two-thirds of the General Conference members vote in favor.

• UNESCO's work includes preserving cultural heritage, promoting education, advancing scientific programs, and advocating for freedom of expression. 

• Key Areas of Focus:

  • Education: UNESCO works to strengthen education systems, develop educational tools, and promote gender equality in education. 
  • Natural Sciences: It advances scientific programs and policies, particularly in areas like biodiversity conservation and climate change. 
  • Social and Human Sciences: UNESCO promotes social inclusion, human rights, and intercultural dialogue. 
  • Culture: It focuses on preserving cultural heritage (both tangible and intangible), promoting cultural diversity, and fostering creativity. 
  • Communication and Information: UNESCO works to ensure access to information, promote freedom of expression and combat misinformation. 

Source: Indian Express

https://indianexpress.com/article/world/us-pulls-out-of-unesco-rocky-ties-palestine-israel-ronald-raegan-10144864/

https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-pulls-us-out-un-cultural-agency-unesco-second-time-2025-07-22/

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