US Withdraws from UNESCO for Third Time, Impacting Global Cultural Funding

The United States has once again announced its withdrawal from UNESCO, marking the third time it has left the United Nations cultural and education agency, with President Donald Trump repeating his first-term decision that was reversed by President Biden. UNESCO, founded in 1945 to promote international peace and welfare, has experienced a tumultuous relationship with the U.S., including a withdrawal in 1984 over concerns of politicization and financial mismanagement, and another pullout in 2018 related to allegations of anti-Israel bias. The recent departure reflects ongoing frustrations with UNESCO’s operations and broader tensions with international institutions that do not align with current U.S. foreign policy priorities. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed regret over the U.S. decision but noted that the organization was prepared for it. This withdrawal creates significant financial challenges for UNESCO, which depends heavily on U.S. funding for cultural preservation, education, and scientific research programs, and risks a domino effect as other nations reconsider their commitments. The pattern of U.S. exits and re-entries has weakened UNESCO’s influence and highlights the fragile nature of multilateral cooperation amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.