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Context: Recently, the United States has once again withdrawn from UNESCO, reigniting a decades-old pattern of disengagement with the United Nations’ cultural agency.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