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UNESCO & U.S.A.

23.07.2025

 

UNESCO & U.S.A.

 

Context

The United States has declared its intent to withdraw from UNESCO by December 2026, just two years after rejoining. The U.S. cited UNESCO’s alleged anti-Israel bias and its decision to recognize Palestine as key reasons behind this move.

About the News

  • U.S. to exit UNESCO by December 2026.
     
  • Withdrawal triggered by UNESCO’s pro-Palestine stance.
     
  • This comes only two years after rejoining in 2023.
     
  • Highlights geopolitical tensions within UN institutions.
     

 

About UNESCO

  1. UNESCO is a UN agency working to promote global peace through education, science, culture, and communication worldwide.
     
  2. Formed in 1945, UNESCO was created after World War II to foster international cooperation and human development.
     
  3. It has 193 member states and 11 associate members, with headquarters in Paris and over 50 field offices globally.
     
  4. UNESCO is part of the UN Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG), helping achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
     
  5. It supports quality education, scientific collaboration, cultural preservation, and freedom of expression through global policies and field programmes.
     
  6. UNESCO sets ethical standards on artificial intelligence, digital inclusion, climate science, and promotes knowledge equity worldwide.
     
  7. India has been a founding member of UNESCO and works actively through the Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO.

 

Challenges

  • Political influence: UNESCO’s decisions often reflect member-state conflicts (e.g., Palestine issue).
     
  • Financial strain: U.S. is a major funder; withdrawal may weaken UNESCO's budget.
     
  • Credibility concerns: Repeated withdrawals affect UNESCO’s global legitimacy.
     
  • Global divide: Raises questions on Western leadership in multilateral bodies.
     

 

Way Forward

  • Promote neutrality: UNESCO must ensure balanced representation of member views.
     
  • Diversify funding: Reduce reliance on single-state contributions.
     
  • Strengthen diplomacy: Encourage dialogue over political disengagement.
     
  • Focus on mandate: Reinforce UNESCO’s role in education and culture, not geopolitics.

Conclusion

The U.S. withdrawal from UNESCO reflects deepening geopolitical rifts within international institutions. Moving forward, UNESCO must uphold its core mission of peace through education and culture, while insulating itself from political polarization to remain globally relevant and effective.

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