Summary
The U.S. is withdrawing from UNESCO, a United Nations agency focused on education, science, and culture. The decision, announced by the Trump administration, cites disagreements with UNESCO's focus on certain social and cultural issues and its admission of Palestine as reasons for leaving.
Key Facts
- UNESCO is a UN agency that promotes cooperation in education, science, and culture.
- The U.S. rejoined UNESCO under President Biden in 2023, after leaving during the Trump administration in 2018.
- The Trump administration announced the withdrawal, criticizing UNESCO's focus on sustainable development goals.
- The decision to leave UNESCO will take effect at the end of 2026.
- UNESCO has 194 member states and manages the list of World Heritage sites, which includes 26 sites in the U.S. like the Grand Canyon and Statue of Liberty.
- UNESCO's admission of Palestine as a member in 2011 has been a point of contention for U.S. administrations.
- The Obama administration previously cut funding to UNESCO over the admission of Palestine.
- Returning to UNESCO in 2023, the U.S. agreed to pay over $600 million in back dues.
