After US announces withdrawal from UNESCO, Macron vows 'unwavering support'

The United States said on Tuesday (July 22) it would withdraw from UNESCO, accusing the UN cultural and education agency of bias against Israel and pursuing a “globalist, ideological agenda”.

“Continued involvement in UNESCO is not in the national interest of the United States,” said State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, confirming that the withdrawal would take effect in December 2026.

Bruce criticised UNESCO for promoting “divisive social and cultural causes” and prioritising the UN’s sustainability goals, which she described as a “globalist, ideological agenda”.

She also cited UNESCO’s 2011 decision to admit Palestine as a member state and its recognition of heritage sites in the West Bank and east Jerusalem as Palestinian as further reasons for the US departure.

“UNESCO’s decision to admit the ‘State of Palestine’ as a member state is highly problematic, contrary to US policy, and contributed to the proliferation of anti-Israel rhetoric within the organisation,” Bruce said.

The announcement marks the second time Washington has turned its back on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation under President Donald Trump. The US previously exited in 2017 during Trump’s first term, before rejoining under President Joe Biden.

“I deeply regret President Donald Trump’s decision to once again withdraw the United States of America from UNESCO,” said Director-General Audrey Azoulay, adding that the move contradicted “fundamental principles of multilateralism”.

“However regrettable, this announcement was expected, and UNESCO has prepared for it,” she added.

Azoulay said the organisation had introduced “major structural reforms” and diversified its funding sources in recent years, limiting the financial impact of the US exit. She noted that the US currently contributes only 8 per cent of UNESCO’s budget, down from nearly 20 per cent a decade ago, according to a source within the agency.

She added that Washington’s claims “contradict the reality of UNESCO’s efforts”, particularly its work on Holocaust education and combating antisemitism.

A UNESCO official who asked not to be named said the agency had already adapted to life without US funding after the 2017 exit, though additional resources would still be needed.

French President Emmanuel Macron, writing on X, said UNESCO had his “unwavering support” and insisted that backing for the organisation would not waver after the American decision.

Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed the US move. “This is a necessary step, designed to promote justice and Israel’s right for fair treatment in the UN system,” he posted on X.

UNESCO, known globally for designating world heritage sites, also works to promote education, scientific collaboration and cultural preservation. Its iconic heritage list includes locations such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Serengeti, the Acropolis and the Pyramids of Giza.

Despite the withdrawal, the US is expected to retain a seat on the World Heritage Committee, as it did during its previous absence.

With inputs from agencies