Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2025. 3:07 pm CST.
By Zoila Palma: UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has expressed deep disappointment over the United States’ decision to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization by the end of 2026.
This marks the second such move under President Donald Trump, who previously led the U.S. out of the organization in 2017.
“I deeply regret President Donald Trump’s decision to once again withdraw the United States of America from UNESCO,” said Azoulay.
She emphasized that this action contradicts the principles of multilateralism and could negatively impact American communities engaged in UNESCO initiatives, such as World Heritage applications and university partnerships.
Despite the withdrawal, Azoulay noted that UNESCO had anticipated the possibility and taken steps to strengthen its resilience.
Since 2018, the organization has undergone major reforms and diversified its funding sources. “Thanks to the efforts made by the Organization since 2018, the decreasing trend in the financial contribution of the US has been offset,” she explained, pointing out that the U.S. now contributes only 8% of UNESCO’s total budget, compared to up to 40% in some other UN entities.
Voluntary contributions from other member states and private partners have also doubled, allowing UNESCO to maintain and even expand its programming without expecting staff layoffs.
Azoulay highlighted several milestones achieved by the organization in recent years despite the U.S. absence, including the reconstruction of Mosul’s old city, a groundbreaking global agreement on the ethics of artificial intelligence, and expanded initiatives for culture, education, and biodiversity in conflict zones.
“In spite of President Donald Trump’s first withdrawal in 2017, UNESCO stepped up its efforts to take action wherever its mission could contribute to peace,” she said, underscoring the organization’s ongoing commitment to global cooperation and stability.
The Director-General also challenged the rationale for the withdrawal, arguing that it ignores significant progress and growing global consensus.
“The reasons put forward by the United States to withdraw are the same as seven years ago, even though the situation has changed profoundly,” Azoulay stated.
She particularly defended UNESCO’s work in Holocaust education and combating antisemitism, areas where U.S. institutions have applauded the agency’s efforts.
“UNESCO is the only United Nations agency responsible for these issues,” she noted.
While acknowledging that the exit will reduce resources, Azoulay reaffirmed that “the United States of America is and will always be welcome” and pledged to continue collaboration with American partners across sectors.
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The post International News: U.S. to withdraw from UNESCO again, Director General expresses deep regret appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2025. 3:07 pm CST. By Zoila Palma: UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has expressed deep disappointment over the United States’ decision to withdraw
The post International News: U.S. to withdraw from UNESCO again, Director General expresses deep regret appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
