• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

In a controversial move, the United States has once again pulled out of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), citing persistent anti-Israel bias and what it describes as the promotion of divisive globalist ideologies.

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce announced the decision, stating that continued US involvement in UNESCO "is not in the national interest of the United States." She criticised the organisation for advancing “divisive social and cultural causes” and aligning too closely with UN sustainability goals, which she called a “globalist, ideological agenda.”

A major sticking point for the US was UNESCO’s decision to admit Palestine as a full member state, seen by Washington as contradictory to its policy and a contributor to anti-Israel rhetoric. Bruce said this decision played a key role in undermining the credibility of the organisation in the eyes of US officials.

ALSO READ: Shubhanshu Shukla Shares Recovery Video, Shows Struggles Of Walking Again Post-Space Mission | WATCH

Earlier in February, President Donald Trump ordered a 90-day review of the US presence in UNESCO. The review focused on identifying anti-Israel or anti-Semitic bias. A White House official revealed that the administration took issue with UNESCO’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, and also accused the agency of holding a pro-China and pro-Palestinian stance.

UNESCO’s Toolkits And Initiatives Under Scrutiny

Among the initiatives criticised were UNESCO’s 2023 “anti-racism toolkit,” which called for member nations to implement anti-racist policies and self-assess their histories of systemic racism. The 2024 “Transforming MEN’talities” campaign, aimed at challenging gender stereotypes, was also deemed too ideological by US officials.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar hailed the move, saying it was a “necessary step” to counter the politicisation of the UN system. “Israel thanks the US for its moral support and leadership, especially in the multilateral arena, which is plagued with anti-Israel discrimination,” he said on X.

ALSO READ: India Sets Tone For PM Modi's UK And Maldives Visit: FTA, Khalistani Extremism, Fugitives To Dominate Talks

White House deputy spokesperson Anna Kelly echoed the administration’s reasoning, stating, “UNESCO supports woke, divisive cultural and social causes that are totally out-of-step with the commonsense policies that Americans voted for in November.” She added that President Trump remains committed to ensuring that U.S. participation in international organisations aligns with national interests.