U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to withdraw the United States from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), sparking a wave of discussions about the future of international cooperation and the role of the U.S. in global organizations. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated that the reason for this move is UNESCO's support for initiatives that are not in line with the interests of the United States.

Specifically, Kelly criticized UNESCO for alleged "anti-Israel and anti-Semitic actions," including designating Jewish holy sites as "Palestinian World Heritage sites." According to her, this action does not reflect the values that Americans supported in the November 2024 elections.

Kelly also accused the organization of promoting the interests of China, particularly due to the influence of the Chinese deputy director-general of UNESCO, Xing Qua, who, according to her, helps to promote global standards that benefit Beijing.

Trump's move is not the first time the United States has distanced itself from UNESCO. In 1984, under President Ronald Reagan, the U.S. withdrew from the organization due to accusations of excessive politicization and mismanagement of funds. It rejoined in 2003, but withdrew again during Trump's first term in office, in 2018. At that time, the reasons cited were UNESCO's growing debt, the need for fundamental reforms, and the organization's continued anti-Israel stance.

The U.S. rejoined in 2023, but the current decision to withdraw again suggests ongoing tensions between American interests and the direction of UNESCO.

UNESCO, founded in 1945, is a specialized agency of the United Nations, with the aim of promoting international cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture, and communication. The organization is particularly known for its World Heritage program, which protects significant cultural and natural sites around the world, such as the Egyptian Great Pyramid of Giza, the Czech Karlštejn Castle, or the Australian Great Barrier Reef.

In addition, UNESCO supports educational initiatives, freedom of the press, and the protection of cultural diversity. The organization currently has 194 member states and is headquartered in Paris. UNESCO also manages a number of programs focused on sustainable development, scientific research, and combating disinformation, making it a key player in global efforts to promote peace and security through culture and education.

The United States' decision to withdraw from UNESCO has a broader context within Trump's foreign policy, which emphasizes national interests and criticism of international organizations. As early as February 4, 2025, Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

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At that time, Trump criticized the United Nations as a whole, stating that the organization has enormous potential but has consistently failed to live up to it. This order also included a requirement to review cooperation with UNESCO within 90 days to assess whether the organization truly supports the interests of the U.S.

The relationship between the United States and UNESCO has been complex for a long time. In addition to the withdrawals in 1984 and 2018, the organization has faced criticism for its decisions, such as the acceptance of Palestine as a member state in 2011, which led to the suspension of U.S. financial contributions. These contributions represented a significant portion of UNESCO's budget, and their absence caused financial difficulties. Nevertheless, the organization continued its activities, including the protection of world heritage sites and the support of educational programs in developing countries.

The Trump administration's withdrawal from UNESCO signals a continuing skepticism towards multilateral institutions. Anna Kelly emphasized that the United States is focused on ensuring that its membership in international organizations aligns with national interests. The criticism of UNESCO for alleged anti-Israel policies and the influence of China reflects a broader geopolitical tension that shapes current U.S. foreign policy. In particular, the issue of designating Jewish holy sites, such as the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, as Palestinian World Heritage sites evokes strong emotions and political disputes. These UNESCO decisions are perceived by some countries as politically motivated, which undermines trust in the organization's neutrality.

China's influence on UNESCO is another point of criticism. According to Kelly, the organization, under the leadership of Xing Qua, promotes standards that align with Chinese interests, which the United States considers problematic. This argument reflects broader concerns about China's growing influence in international organizations, a topic that resonates not only in the United States but also in other countries.

The United States' decision to leave UNESCO may have far-reaching consequences. U.S. financial contributions represent a significant portion of the organization's budget, and their absence may limit UNESCO's ability to implement its programs. Furthermore, the withdrawal of one of the world's most powerful nations may weaken the organization's international legitimacy and encourage other countries to reconsider their membership. On the other hand, some analysts argue that UNESCO may be able to continue its work even without the United States, as demonstrated by previous withdrawals in 1984 and 2018. In a broader context, Trump's decision can be understood as part of his broader "America First" strategy, which emphasizes national sovereignty and criticizes global institutions. This approach raises questions about the future of international cooperation and the role of the United States in global issues, such as the protection of cultural heritage, the promotion of education, or the fight against climate change, which UNESCO has long championed.

TASS/gnews.cz - GH