U.S. Withdraws from UNESCO: A Step Backward for International Collaboration

Wed Oct 22 2025 01:58:47 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Trump Administration's decision to exit UNESCO reflects an ongoing skepticism of global institutions.

The recent announcement from the U.S. State Department to withdraw from UNESCO marks a continuation of President Trump’s distrust of multilateral engagements, further isolating the country on the global stage.

In a move reflecting President Trump's ongoing skepticism toward international organizations, the United States declared its intent to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This decision, announced by the State Department, will officially take effect at the end of next year, ostensibly aligning with the Trump administration's broader "America First" agenda—a sentiment that favors national autonomy over global cooperation.

Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the State Department, cited UNESCO's alleged promotion of "divisive social and cultural causes" and an exaggerated emphasis on the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals as core reasons behind the withdrawal. This decision reignites tensions that have historically characterized U.S.-UNESCO relations, which have been fraught with challenges over the years.

The United States previously withdrew from UNESCO during Trump's first term in 2017, citing the organization's perceived anti-Israel bias, yet rejoined under the Biden administration in 2023 after recognizing the strategic importance of keeping a seat at the table while rival powers like China intensified their influence over global cultural and academic institutions.

UNESCO, headquartered in Paris, is recognized for its designation of World Heritage sites—including significant cultural landmarks and collective histories worldwide. The organization is also committed to initiatives promoting education, gender equality, and sustainability, creating a strong global framework for shared values.

This latest withdrawal continues an ongoing narrative of U.S. disengagement from international collaborations and raises concerns about the potential implications for cultural preservation efforts and global education programs—issues that resonate deeply within indigenous communities and those advocating for international cooperation.

As the debate over U.S. involvement in global organizations simmers, many wonder what the long-term repercussions will be for global cultural heritage and collaborative sustainability initiatives.