Report Washington Cuts Ties with UNESCO Over Palestine and Policy Disputes

[webfact]

 

The United States has once more severed ties with UNESCO, accusing the UN cultural body of being biased against Israel and promoting divisive causes. This decision underlines long-standing tensions, as President Donald Trump previously ordered a similar withdrawal in 2017 during his first term.

 

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce stated that involvement is "not in the national interest" of the US and criticised UNESCO's focus on sustainability as a "globalist, ideological agenda." She further highlighted the organization's admission to Palestine as a member state as problematic and contrary to US policy.

 

UNESCO, known for its world heritage sites, aims to promote education, scientific cooperation, and cultural understanding. Its preservation projects span globally, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Pyramids of Egypt. Despite these efforts, criticisms regarding its inclusions and policies have persisted.

 

Bruce stressed that UNESCO's decision to admit the 'State of Palestine' fostered anti-Israel rhetoric within the organisation. This move has contributed to the strained relationship between the US and UNESCO, leading to the recent withdrawal.

 

This isn’t the first split; President Ronald Reagan also withdrew the US from UNESCO in the 1980s, citing similar issues. The US later rejoined under President George W. Bush, before the Trump and Biden administrations saw fluctuating membership statuses.

 

While President Joe Biden restored US membership, citing the importance of global cooperation, the latest decision reflects ongoing diplomatic differences. This exit raises questions about future cultural collaborations and commitments.

 

UNESCO continues to advocate for global cultural and educational cooperation, but the US departure echoes historical criticism, revealing deep-seated disagreements about the organisation’s direction and impact.

 

The implications of the US withdrawal will be closely watched by both supporters and critics of UNESCO, as the organisation navigates its future role without one of its prominent members.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS World 2025-07-24

 

 

[ChristineC]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Bruce stressed that UNESCO's decision to admit the 'State of Palestine' fostered anti-Israel rhetoric within the organisation. This move has contributed to the strained relationship between the US and UNESCO, leading to the recent withdrawal.

It’s becoming clear that Israel American Miriam Adelson, the largest political donor in US history, is calling the shots in the US policy.