U.S. withdraws from UNESCO again, citing cultural and political differences. Image Credit: X @EricLDaugherty
(The Post News)- On Tuesday, the United States announced its decision to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Following claims that UNESCO is biased against Israel, criticism intensified after the agency admitted Palestine as a member in 2011.
This marks the second time the U.S. has left the agency, having previously exited during former President Donald Trump’s first term over, claims that UNESCO was biased against Israel.
Under President Joe Biden, the U.S. rejoined UNESCO, with concerns expressed that the absence of the U.S. allowed China to dominate global standards set by the organization.
However, the recent decision to withdraw again was explained by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, who cited ongoing issues with discrimination, cultural differences, and social causes that the U.S. did not support in a vote last November.
Bruce also pointed to UNESCO’s 2011 decision to admit Palestine as a member, describing it as problematic and inconsistent with the U.S. foreign policy.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed regret over the U.S. withdrawal but noted that she had anticipated the move.
The move was supported by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who praised the U.S. decision as an important step toward promoting fairness and addressing perceived bias against Israel within the United Nations.
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