By Zamir Ahmed Awan* – Modern Diplomacy
The recent decision by the United States to exit from the UNESCO has drawn global condemnation and deep concern.
The recent decision by the United States to exit from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has drawn global condemnation and deep concern. It marks not only a diplomatic setback but also a betrayal of the values that UNESCO stands for—education, cultural preservation, scientific cooperation, and peacebuilding. In an era when the world desperately needs bridges, not walls, America, the world’s largest economy and military power, has chosen to walk away from one of the most crucial platforms of global cooperation and human progress.
Understanding UNESCO: Its Mandate and Global Role
Founded in 1945, in the aftermath of World War II, UNESCO was created with a vision to build peace in the minds of men and women through education, science, culture, and communication. The idea was simple yet profound: since wars begin in the minds of human beings, it is in the minds of human beings that the defenses of peace must be constructed.
UNESCO’s core mission revolves around:
- Promoting quality education for all to build inclusive knowledge societies.
- Preserving cultural heritage, including tangible and intangible traditions across the globe.
- Advancing scientific collaboration to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss.
- Protecting freedom of expression and promoting media development as cornerstones of democracy and human rights.
- Promoting intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding to reduce tensions and prevent conflicts.
UNESCO’s Achievements: Building Peace, Knowledge, and Culture
Despite limited resources, UNESCO has made significant contributions to humanity. Some of its most recognized accomplishments include:
- World Heritage Sites: UNESCO has designated over 1,100 World Heritage Sites across the globe, helping protect historical landmarks, ancient cities, and natural wonders.
- Education for All: Through the “Global Education Monitoring Report,” UNESCO plays a key role in tracking progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 (quality education).
- Promotion of Literacy and Girls’ Education: From rural Africa to conflict zones in the Middle East, UNESCO has spearheaded programs to promote literacy and empower women and girls through education.
- Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB): This initiative has established a global network of biosphere reserves that promote sustainable development and conservation.
- Global Report on the Futures of Education: UNESCO envisions long-term educational strategies based on equity, digital inclusion, and lifelong learning.
These achievements have had a direct and indirect impact on millions of lives. UNESCO is not just a bureaucratic UN body; it is a global conscience working for cultural preservation, knowledge equity, and peace.
Funding and Financial Structure
UNESCO is funded through a mix of assessed contributions from member states and voluntary contributions from governments, NGOs, and private entities. The assessed contributions are calculated based on a country’s economic size and capacity to pay. As the world’s largest economy, the United States has traditionally been expected to contribute the highest share, amounting to roughly 22% of UNESCO’s assessed budget.
However, even before the official exit, the U.S. had withheld its dues since 2011, following Palestine’s admission as a full member of UNESCO—a decision the U.S. opposed politically. This withholding severely strained UNESCO’s finances, forcing staff cuts, project delays, and reduction in programming.
The U.S. Exit: A Short-Sighted, Politically Motivated Move
Rather than correcting its course and acknowledging its responsibility to the global community, the United States has now officially exited from UNESCO again, a move that reflects an alarming trend of American withdrawal from multilateral institutions. This decision is especially disturbing given the context of ongoing global challenges—wars, educational disruptions, climate disasters, and cultural erasure.
The rationale cited by the U.S.—perceived anti-Israel bias and bureaucratic inefficiencies—rings hollow. In reality, this move is less about UNESCO’s performance and more about Washington’s blind support for the Zionist regime in Israel. At a time when Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, engaging in ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, and illegally grabbing Arab lands by force, the U.S. continues to shield its ally from international accountability.
Instead of supporting peace-promoting organizations like UNESCO, America is funneling billions into wars, drone strikes, and military aid. The recent surge in U.S. military assistance to Israel, amidst mass civilian killings and the destruction of schools and hospitals in Gaza, is morally indefensible. By funding such aggression while cutting support to educational and cultural initiatives, the U.S. is making its priorities clear—and they are not aligned with peace, human dignity, or global cooperation.
Global Reaction and Consequences
The U.S. exit has been widely criticized by diplomats, civil society organizations, scholars, and human rights advocates. Many nations see it as another example of the United States abdicating its global responsibilities. Critics argue that the exit will:
- Weaken UNESCO’s financial capacity, especially in executing programs in developing and conflict-ridden countries.
- Undermine multilateralism, encouraging other powerful nations to also abandon collective responsibility.
- Hurt educational and cultural initiatives, especially in areas dependent on U.S. funding.
- Diminish America’s soft power, eroding its global credibility and moral authority.
By turning its back on UNESCO, the United States is not punishing the UN agency—it is punishing humanity. Children in war-torn regions will have fewer opportunities for education. Endangered cultural heritage in developing countries will face greater threats. Global efforts to promote scientific cooperation on climate and health challenges will lose momentum.
The Need for Global Unity and Reaffirmation of Commitment
This exit should not dishearten us but galvanize the international community to stand together. The world must collectively say “no” to war-mongering, unilateralism, and withdrawal from shared responsibilities. UNESCO must be supported, not abandoned. Countries should reaffirm their commitment to multilateral cooperation by:
- Increasing their financial contributions to cover the shortfall left by the U.S.
- Promoting inclusive global education and protecting cultural heritage more robustly.
- Condemning any nation that prioritizes militarism over peace, and holding them accountable.
Developing countries, in particular, should view this moment as a wake-up call to strengthen South-South cooperation and regional alliances that can fill the void left by irresponsible superpowers. UNESCO can thrive with renewed political will, grassroots support, and innovative partnerships.
America Must Reassess Its Priorities
For the United States, this is a moment of reckoning. Withdrawing from UNESCO, pulling out of climate accords, undermining the International Criminal Court, and vetoing ceasefire resolutions in the UN Security Council—it all paints a dark portrait of a superpower increasingly driven by narrow interests and geopolitical dominance.
America must realize that its true greatness lies not in military might, but in its capacity to inspire, support, and uplift. By walking away from UNESCO, the U.S. is choosing isolation over integration, and violence over values.
If the United States seeks to lead, it must lead by example—by championing education, respecting human rights, and preserving the rich tapestry of human cultures. Its blind support of Israeli aggression, at the cost of global harmony, makes it complicit in war crimes and severely damages its international reputation.
The Moral Responsibility of All Nations
UNESCO represents our shared humanity. Its work transcends borders, ideologies, and political disputes. It builds schools, protects ancient heritage, promotes dialogue, and brings nations together. The U.S. exit is undoubtedly a setback, but it is not the end.
This is a call to action for all peace-loving nations and global citizens. Let us raise our voices in defense of global cooperation, education, culture, and peace. Let us contribute—not only funds but ideas, solidarity, and support—to keep UNESCO strong and relevant. Let us remind the world, including America, that true leadership lies in service, not in supremacy.
The U.S. may have turned its back, but the rest of the world must move forward—together.
*Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist, Diplomat, Editor, Analyst, Advisor, Consultant to Global South Economic and Trade Cooperation Research Center, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG.