The United States has announced its decision to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the third time, a move that has raised eyebrows across the globe. The announcement came from U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce on Tuesday.
“Continued participation in UNESCO is not in our national interest,” Bruce stated in a brief press release. The withdrawal is set to take effect on December 31, 2026.
This marks the third instance where the U.S. has stepped away from the international organization, following previous exits in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan and in 2017 during the administration of President Donald Trump. The re-entries in 2003 and 2023 were seen as steps toward renewed global collaboration.
UNESCO, established in 1945, aims to promote peace and security through international cooperation in education, science, and culture. The U.S.’ repeated withdrawals raise questions about the future of global cooperation in these critical areas.
Young people around the world are particularly concerned about what this decision means for international efforts in education and cultural preservation. “Programs that support education in developing countries could be affected,” said Maria, a university student from Nigeria.
The move also has implications for the Global South, where UNESCO’s initiatives have been instrumental in advancing educational opportunities and preserving cultural heritage sites.
As the international community reacts to the U.S.’s latest decision, many await to see how this will impact global collaborations and the pursuit of shared goals in education and culture.
