United States Withdrawal from UNESCO

The action takes effect on December 31, 2026, pursuant to Article II(6) of the UNESCO Constitution. The United States remains a full member until that date.

WASHINGTON — On July 22, 2025, the United States Department of State announced the decision to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, citing "divisive social and cultural causes".

photo credit: UNESCO

The withdrawal aligns with an America First foreign policy, citing UNESCO's focus on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and the admission of the State of Palestine as a member state.

The action takes effect on December 31, 2026, pursuant to Article II(6) of the UNESCO Constitution. The United States remains a full member until that date.