The U.S. State Department, under President Joe Biden‘s administration, approved a proposal to UNESCO’s director-general, Audrey Azoulay, expressing its intention to approve the proposal to rejoin the international organization.
The United States has received an approved proposal to rejoin the United Nations’ cultural agency, UNESCO, after withdrawing in 2019
The approved proposal was discussed in a UNESCO meeting, where 132 votes were in favor of readmitting the U.S., while 10 votes were against it, according to a news release.
Palestine, along with nations like Russia, Belarus, Iran, and Nicaragua, voted against the United States readmission. The United States and Israel had initially withdrawn from UNESCO due to Palestine’s admission to the organization in 2011, which prompted funding cuts from former President Barack Obama and eventual withdrawal under former President Donald Trump.
UNESCO highlighted Azoulay’s efforts in mediating political tensions and improving the organization’s efficiency
Stating that the approved proposal to return to the United States would strengthen its ability to fulfill its mandate. Azoulay expressed satisfaction with the approved proposal decision, emphasizing the positive impact on UNESCO’s universalism and multilateralism.
In addition to paying its outstanding dues, the United States has approved proposal to fund 22% of UNESCO’s budget and support education programs in Africa, among other initiatives. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed gratitude for the approved proposal, stating that it allows them to progress further toward rejoining UNESCO.
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