Unesco’s 193 member states have unanimously approved the United States’ proposal to rejoin the organization, marking a significant step towards renewed collaboration. During an Extraordinary Session of the General Conference, 132 member states voted in favor of the US’s return, while some countries, including Russia, North Korea, China, and Syria, voted against it, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The US’s return to Unesco comes after its withdrawal from the organization twice before, in 1984 and 2017, which had a detrimental impact on Unesco’s work based in Paris. In a letter sent to the director-general of Unesco last month, the US proposed rejoining the organization in July, accompanied by a concrete financial plan that includes repaying its estimated arrears of $619 million.
As a result of the successful vote, the US will now contribute approximately 22% of Unesco’s regular budget. In addition to gradually paying off its arrears, the US has pledged voluntary contributions to support various programs, such as those focused on education in Africa and the remembrance of the Holocaust, according to a statement from Unesco.
White House officials announced that the US membership will be formalized once Secretary of State Antony Blinken, or a designated representative, officially accepts the invitation. Blinken expressed his optimism about the vote, stating that it would restore US leadership on important issues and values cherished by the American people.
The US’s decision to withdraw from Unesco in 2017 was primarily driven by concerns of perceived anti-Israel bias within the organization. However, the rejoining of Unesco signifies a renewed commitment by the US to collaborate with the international community on matters of mutual importance. The acceptance of the US’s proposal marks a positive step towards fostering global cooperation in the fields of education, culture, and science, ultimately strengthening Unesco’s vital work in promoting peace, cultural understanding, and sustainable development worldwide.
