Archive · 23 Jul 2025
US to Withdraw from UNESCO, Citing Policy Concerns
The United States is pulling out of UNESCO, a group that promotes peace through education and culture.
The US is unhappy with UNESCO's focus on some global goals and its views on Israel.
The US also said it maintains an outsized focus on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
This isn't the first time the US has left; it did so before in 1984 and rejoined in 2003.
UNESCO is sad about this decision, but says it's ready and will keep working with American partners.
The United States announced its decision to withdraw from UNESCO, citing concerns about anti-Israel rhetoric and divisive agendas.
This is the third time the US has withdrawn from UNESCO, with the decision taking effect at the end of December 2026.
The US cited UNESCO's focus on UN's Sustainable Development Goals and the admission of Palestine as a member state as problematic.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed deep regret, while stating that the organization had anticipated the decision.
UNESCO has undertaken major structural reforms and diversified its funding sources since 2018.
- Who
- The United States.
- What
- The United States announced its withdrawal from UNESCO.
- When
- The decision was announced on Tuesday, and will take effect at the end of December 2026.
- Where
- The United States will withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
- Why
- The US cited concerns about anti-Israel rhetoric and the promotion of divisive agendas.
United States
UNESCO
Agenda Alignment
United States
UNESCO's focus on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals is contrary to US foreign policy.
UNESCO
UNESCO promotes world peace through international cooperation in culture, arts, education, and sciences.
Membership Inclusion
United States
The admission of Palestine is problematic and contributes to anti-Israel rhetoric.
UNESCO
UNESCO welcomes all the nations of the world.
- Organization
- UNESCO
- Withdrawal Date
- End of December 2026
- Primary Reason
- Anti-Israel rhetoric and divisive agendas
- Previous Withdrawal
- 1984
- US Funding Percentage
- 8%