Trump withdraws US from ‘woke' UNESCO for second time
UNESCO is the United Nations' cultural arm focused on 'strengthening our shared humanity.' The organization addresses global issues, like climate change and artificial intelligence, by conducting research and setting standards for member nations; it also oversees global heritage sites.
Audrey Azoulay, director-general of UNESCO, said in a statement that she 'deeply regrets' the decision, which will take effect in December 2026. However, she said the announcement was 'anticipated' and the organization has prepared, leaving it 'better protected in financial terms.'
'The reasons put forward by the United States to withdraw from the Organization are the same as seven years ago even though the situation has changed profoundly, political tensions have receded, and UNESCO today constitutes a rare forum for consensus on concrete and action-oriented multilateralism,' Azoulay said.
French President Emmanuel Macron offered his 'unwavering support' for UNESCO, calling the organization a 'universal guardian' for science and culture, among other things.
'The withdrawal of the United States will not weaken our commitment alongside those who lead this fight,' Macron wrote on X.
But not all nations condemned the decision. Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar cheered Trump's latest withdrawal, thanking the U.S. for 'its moral support and leadership.'
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