All you need to know as USA pulls out of UNESCO for the 3rd time in history

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The United States recently announced its decision to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) by the end of 2026.

This move, while significant, isn’t entirely new territory for the US and the international body. For many Nigerians, understanding the nuances of this decision and its potential implications is crucial.

What is UNESCO?

UNESCO, headquartered in Paris, is a specialised agency of the United Nations. It’s widely recognised for its role in designating World Heritage Sites, which include over 1,200 iconic locations globally, from Yosemite National Park to the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan. Beyond preserving historical and natural landmarks, UNESCO also maintains an “intangible cultural heritage” list, celebrating creations like the French baguette and Italian opera singing.

But UNESCO’s mandate extends far beyond cultural preservation. It actively promotes educational programs, focusing on sex education, literacy, and access to clean water. The organisation also champions gender equality and works to set international standards on critical issues such as ocean protection and the ethics of artificial intelligence.

Why is the US Withdrawing (Again)?

The recent announcement marks the third time President Trump has pulled the US out of a UN agency this year, following similar exits from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Human Rights Council. This pattern reflects a broader scepticism towards multilateralism and a deep distrust of international institutions, particularly those associated with the UN.

According to Tammy Bruce, a State Department spokeswoman, continued involvement in UNESCO is “not in the national interest of the United States.” Ms. Bruce accused UNESCO of promoting “divisive social and cultural causes” and maintaining an “outsized focus on the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals, a globalist, ideological agenda for international development at odds with our America First foreign policy.”

A significant factor in the US decision is also the accusation of bias against Israel. The organisation has historically faced criticism for its perceived political leanings, especially concerning matters related to Israel and Palestine.

This isn’t the first time the United States has severed ties with UNESCO. The relationship has been tumultuous over the decades:

1984 Withdrawal (Reagan Administration): The US first withdrew during the Cold War, citing concerns that UNESCO was too susceptible to Moscow’s influence and overly critical of Israel.
2002 Rejoining (George W. Bush Administration): The US rejoined, partly to signal openness to international cooperation ahead of the Iraq war.
2011 Funding Cut (Obama Administration): The US stopped funding UNESCO after the agency granted full membership to Palestine. This was due to existing US laws that mandated a complete cutoff of American financing to any UN agency that recognized Palestine on such terms. This move significantly impacted UNESCO, depriving it of nearly a fifth of its budget.
2017 Full Withdrawal (Trump Administration): During President Trump’s first term, the US announced a complete withdrawal, again citing anti-Israel bias. The US remained a non-member observer.
2023 Rejoining (Biden Administration): The Biden administration reversed the 2017 decision, rejoining UNESCO with the argument that an empty US chair created a vacuum that rival powers, notably China, were eager to fill.

What Does This Mean for UNESCO?

Officials at UNESCO have expressed regret over the US decision but stated that the financial impact on the organisation would be minimal. Audrey Azoulay, the organisation’s Director-General, noted that the decision was “anticipated, and we are prepared for it.”

The organisation has proactively diversified its funding sources in recent years, relying more on voluntary contributions from member states and private donors. Currently, the US financial contribution accounts for only 8 per cent of it’s total budget, and the organisation is not considering layoffs.

While the US was still the largest single funder in the first quarter of 2025, followed by China, UNESCO appears resilient to the financial implications of this withdrawal.