Washington: The US State Department has announced that the United States will officially withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that the decision was made because continued membership is not in the American interest.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Article Two (6) of the UNESCO Constitution stipulates that the US withdrawal will take effect on December 31, 2026, allowing the United States to remain a full member until that time. The move follows President Donald Trump's directive for the country to exit the organization, which he believes promotes partisan social and cultural goals and aligns with an agenda that conflicts with the "America First" foreign policy.

Earlier this year, President Trump ordered a 90-day review of the US presence at UNESCO, focusing on potential anti-Semitic or anti-Israel sentiment. White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly reported that administration officials objected to UNESCO's policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as its perceived pro-Palestinian and pro-China bias.

A White House official has indicated that UNESCO's Executive Board has been utilized to impose measures perceived as anti-Israel and anti-Jewish, including the designation of Jewish holy sites as Palestinian World Heritage Sites. The organization has also been criticized for its language regarding Palestine and its stance on conflicts between Israel and Hamas.

Furthermore, UNESCO's relationship with China has been highlighted as a concern. Beijing is the second-largest funder of UNESCO, and Chinese nationals hold prominent positions within the organization. Kelly noted that China has used its influence in UNESCO to promote global standards favoring Beijing's interests.