US leaves UNESCO, says 'not in national interest': Israel backs move, China criticises

This photograph taken on July 23, 2025 shows a US flag flying in front of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) headquarters in Paris.

The United States announced on Tuesday that it is withdrawing from UNESCO, the United Nations cultural and education agency best known for designating world heritage sites, citing concerns over bias against Israel and the promotion of “divisive” issues.

“Continued involvement in UNESCO is not in the national interest of the United States,” said State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce.

The move had been widely anticipated during Donald Trump’s presidency, as he previously pulled the US out of UNESCO in 2017 during his first term. President Joe Biden later restored American membership.

Bruce criticised the agency for pushing “divisive social and cultural causes” and focusing heavily on UN sustainability goals, which she described as a “globalist, ideological agenda.”

She also pointed to what she called UNESCO’s bias against Israel, particularly its recognition of Palestine.

“UNESCO's decision to admit the 'State of Palestine' as a member state is highly problematic, contrary to US policy, and contributed to the proliferation of anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization,” Bruce said.

UNESCO states that its mission is to promote education, scientific collaboration, and cultural understanding. The agency maintains a global list of heritage sites meant to protect significant environmental and architectural landmarks such as Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Tanzania’s Serengeti, Egypt’s Pyramids, and the Acropolis in Athens.

This is not the first time Washington has distanced itself from UNESCO. President Ronald Reagan withdrew the US from the organization in the 1980s, citing corruption and a pro-Soviet stance. The US returned under President George W Bush.

'Not behaviour of responsible country'

China said it regretted the United States' decision to withdraw from the UN cultural and education agency UNESCO.

"This is not the action that a responsible major country should take," foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said.

"China has always firmly supported the work of UNESCO," he added.

Beijing has sought to promote itself as a responsible major power by expressing support for the United Nations and other international bodies.

"This is already the third time that the US has withdrawn from UNESCO, and it has long been in arrears with its membership fees," Guo told reporters Wednesday.

"We call on all countries to reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism and take concrete actions to support the international system with the UN at its core," he said.

Israel welcomes move

Israel's foreign minister hailed the decision by the United States to leave UNESCO, thanking Washington for its "moral support and leadership".

"This is a necessary step, designed to promote justice and Israel's right for fair treatment in the UN system, a right which has often been trampled due to politicisation in this arena," Gideon Saar posted on X.