(MENAFN) The United States announced it will withdraw from the UN's cultural agency UNESCO for the third time in history, effective December 31, 2026. The decision was attributed to UNESCO's recognition of Palestine as a member state and what Washington described as a conflict with its "America First" policy stance.

According to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, the Biden administration formally notified UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay of the move, stating continued US participation was no longer in the country’s national interest. Bruce criticized the organization for promoting what she termed “divisive social and cultural causes” and advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals that she said reflect a “globalist ideological agenda” in conflict with US priorities.

Bruce also pointed to UNESCO’s 2011 inclusion of Palestine, which she described as contrary to US foreign policy and a contributor to “anti-Israel” sentiment within the agency.

This marks the third time the US has exited UNESCO, following similar withdrawals under Ronald Reagan in 1984 and Donald Trump in 2018—both citing political bias and mismanagement. The US rejoined in 2023 during President Biden’s tenure.

UNESCO’s Director-General Azoulay expressed deep regret over the announcement, calling it a blow to multilateral cooperation. She emphasized that the agency has undergone significant reforms since 2018, including diversifying funding sources and reducing reliance on US contributions, which now comprise only 8% of its budget.

Azoulay highlighted the agency’s efforts in Holocaust education and combating antisemitism, rejecting US claims of bias. She reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to working with all nations, including US institutions and civil society, while continuing dialogue with the American government and Congress.

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