The United States government has formally notified the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) of its decision to withdraw from the agency, citing ideological differences and the need to realign with its “America First” foreign policy priorities.
In a press statement released Tuesday, U.S. Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the decision was conveyed to UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. The withdrawal will take effect on December 31, 2026, in accordance with Article II(6) of the UNESCO Constitution.
“Continued involvement in UNESCO is not in the national interest of the United States,” Bruce said.
The statement criticized UNESCO for promoting what it described as “divisive social and cultural causes” and for placing disproportionate emphasis on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which the U.S. characterized as part of a “globalist, ideological agenda” misaligned with U.S. strategic objectives.
A key point of contention highlighted was UNESCO’s 2011 decision to admit Palestine as a full member state—a move the U.S. says contradicts its longstanding policy and has fueled what it called “anti-Israel rhetoric” within the organization.
“Continued U.S. participation in international organizations will focus on advancing American interests with clarity and conviction,” the statement added.
This marks the second time the U.S. has exited the Paris-based organization. The Trump administration previously withdrew from UNESCO in 2018, citing similar concerns, before rejoining under the Biden administration in 2023.
The decision is expected to reignite debates over the role of multilateral institutions in U.S. foreign policy, and may affect Washington’s engagement in global initiatives related to education, science, and cultural heritage preservation.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
