US Abandons UNESCO: What Happens Now?

2025-07-24 00:00:29.885

UNESCO, with the help of international partners and $115 million in funding, recently completed the rebuilding of Mosul, Iraq, after its devastation by the Islamic State group. This is just one example of UNESCO's extensive work, now threatened by the United States' withdrawal from the organization. This is not the first time the US has left UNESCO; President Trump withdrew during his first term, citing anti-Israel bias. President Biden rejoined in 2023, but the US is now leaving again, due to concerns about China's influence. UNESCO's work includes designating and protecting World Heritage sites, safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, Holocaust education, empowering girls through education, addressing climate change, and setting ethical standards for artificial intelligence. While the US's departure will impact UNESCO's budget (previously contributing 40% to some UN entities, now down to 8% of UNESCO's budget), UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay states that the agency has diversified its funding and is prepared for the US withdrawal.