US to Quit UNESCO

• 24 Jul 2025

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

The United States announced its decision to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), just two years after rejoining in 2023, citing alleged bias against Israel.

What are Key Facts Regarding UNESCO? 

• About: UNESCO is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that promotes peace through international cooperation in education, science, and culture.  
  • Headquartered in Paris, it has 194 Member States and 12 Associate Members. 
• History: UNESCO was founded on 16th November 1945, and its first General Conference was held in Paris between November and December 1946.  
  • India is a founding member of the organization. 
• Role and Mandate:  
  • Ensure inclusive, equitable, and lifelong learning opportunities for all (aligned with SDG 4). 
  • Protect tangible and intangible cultural heritage (World Heritage List). 
  • Promote scientific research, sustainable development, and use of science for peace and humanity. 
  • Enhance mutual understanding and tolerance. 

What is the History of US Quitting UNESCO? 

• US Quitting UNESCO: This is the third time that the United States has left UNESCO, and the second time during a Trump administration. 
• Timeline of Exits and Reentries: 
  • First Exit (1984, Reagan Administration): The US withdrew from UNESCO, citing mismanagement, corruption, and alignment with Soviet interests during the Cold War 
  • Second Exit (2017, Trump’s First Term): The US exited UNESCO, citing anti-Israel bias, especially after the agency voted to include Palestine as a member state in 2011 
  • Third Exit (2025, Trump’s Second Term): President Trump announced a second withdrawal from UNESCO by December 2026, following rejoining under the Biden administration in 2023. 

What can be the Potential Impact of US Withdrawal from UNESCO? 

• Global Impact: 
  • Financial Crunch: US exit creates a significant budget gap, threatening education, heritage, and climate research programs. 
    • E.g. The US and Israel halted UNESCO funding after its 2011 decision to include Palestine as a member state. 
  • Geopolitical Power Shift: China may dominate UNESCO’s agenda, promoting pro-China narratives. 
  • Setback to Science & Education: US absence reduces support for AI ethics, climate science, and girls’ education programs globally e.g. hampering UNESCO’s STEM Clinics organised to familiarize girls with STEM education. 
  • Crisis in Multilateralism: The US' unpredictable disengagements disrupt global cooperation, weakening multilateral institutions and leaving developing countries frustrated by inconsistent international support and policies. 
• Impact on India: 
  • Opportunities: India can expand its diplomatic influence in UNESCO by shaping global agendas on culture, education, and AI ethics.  
    • It can also project soft power, promote South-South cooperation, and advocate for more Indian sites on the World Heritage List. 
  • Challenges: Funding cuts may impact key Indian projects at sites like Nalanda and Sundarbans, while education programs face shortfalls.  
    • Rising Chinese influence in UNESCO and pressure to increase contributions could strain India’s resources and geopolitical balance.

What can be the Way Forward?

• Inclusive Governance: UNESCO should limit geopolitical interference in its functioning to stay focused on core goals like education and cultural preservation. 
• Sustainable Framework: Adopt equitable funding models and address emerging issues such as AI ethics, digital learning, and climate education. 
• Localized Implementation: Ensure transparent governance, boost South-South cooperation, and support regional programs for tailored, impactful action. 

Drishti Mains Question:

Critically evaluate the impact of the US withdrawal from UNESCO on the organization's functioning. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Q. What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of UNESCO? What is India’s position on these? (2016)