donald trump unesco

US Withdraws from UNESCO Again: What This Means for Australia

The United States has officially withdrawn from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the second time, a move that has sparked international discussion and raises questions about the future of the organisation and global collaboration in education, science, and culture. This decision, enacted in July 2025, echoes a similar withdrawal under the Trump administration in 2017 and prompts us to consider the implications for Australia and the wider world.

Why the US Pulled Out of UNESCO (Again)

While official reasons from the US State Department statement are concise, the withdrawal signals a continued divergence from the organisation. The BBC reported the official withdrawal, confirming the news that has been circulating within international circles. The Guardian also highlighted the event, emphasizing the blow this represents to the UN agency focused on culture and education.

This isn't the first time the US has distanced itself from UNESCO. The Trump administration initially withdrew citing concerns over UNESCO's alleged anti-Israel bias and the need for fundamental reform within the organisation. Although the official statement from the U.S. Department of State doesn't explicitly reiterate those reasons, the decision to withdraw again suggests these underlying issues remain unresolved from the U.S. perspective.

A Timeline of Recent Developments

Here's a quick rundown of the key events:

• 2011: The US stopped funding UNESCO after the organisation admitted Palestine as a member. US law prohibits funding to any UN organisation that grants full membership to Palestine.
• October 2017: The Trump administration announced its intention to withdraw from UNESCO, citing the reasons mentioned above.
• December 2018: The US officially withdrew from UNESCO.
• July 2025: The US withdraws from UNESCO again.

UNESCO: What Does it Actually Do?

UNESCO's mission is to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. It's probably best known for designating World Heritage Sites, places of outstanding cultural or natural importance. Think of the Great Barrier Reef, the Sydney Opera House, or Uluru – all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Beyond heritage sites, UNESCO works on a vast range of projects, including:

• Education: Promoting education for all, improving education systems, and addressing global education challenges.
• Science: Fostering scientific cooperation, promoting sustainable development, and addressing environmental issues.
• Culture: Protecting cultural heritage, promoting cultural diversity, and supporting creativity.
• Communication and Information: Promoting freedom of expression, developing media, and fostering access to information and knowledge.

Australia's Relationship with UNESCO

Australia has a long and generally positive relationship with UNESCO. As a member state, Australia actively participates in UNESCO's programs and initiatives. Australia benefits significantly from UNESCO's work, particularly in areas such as:

• World Heritage Protection: UNESCO's recognition of Australian sites as World Heritage Sites brings international attention and resources for their preservation.
• Scientific Cooperation: Australia participates in UNESCO's scientific programs, collaborating with other countries on research and addressing global challenges.
• Education Initiatives: Australia benefits from UNESCO's work in promoting education for all and improving education systems.

Immediate Effects of the US Withdrawal

The immediate effects of the US withdrawal are multifaceted:

• Financial Impact: UNESCO will face a budget shortfall, as the US was previously a significant contributor, even though it hadn't been paying dues since 2011.
• Diplomatic Impact: The US withdrawal weakens UNESCO's authority and influence on the world stage. It also creates a potential leadership vacuum that other countries may seek to fill.
• Symbolic Impact: The withdrawal sends a message about the US's commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation.

Potential Ramifications for Australia

So, how does this affect Australia? Here are a few potential implications:

• Increased Responsibility: Australia may be called upon to play a more prominent role in UNESCO, both financially and diplomatically, to help fill the gap left by the US.
• Focus on Regional Collaboration: Australia may need to strengthen its collaboration with other countries in the Asia-Pacific region to address shared challenges in education, science, and culture, potentially working through UNESCO platforms.
• Advocacy for Reform: Australia could use its influence within UNESCO to advocate for reforms that address the concerns raised by the US and other countries, aiming to improve the organisation's effectiveness and relevance.

The Future of UNESCO: What's Next?

The future of UNESCO remains uncertain. Several scenarios are possible:

• Continued Decline: Without strong support from major powers, UNESCO could struggle to maintain its effectiveness and relevance.
• Reform and Renewal: UNESCO could undertake significant reforms to address its challenges and regain the confidence of member states.
• Shifting Power Dynamics: Other countries, such as China, could step up to fill the leadership vacuum left by the US, potentially reshaping UNESCO's priorities and direction.

The US withdrawal presents both challenges and opportunities for UNESCO and its member states. It's a pivotal moment that could determine the organisation's future role in promoting international cooperation and addressing global challenges.

What Could Happen Long Term?

Looking further ahead, here are some potential long-term consequences:

• Weakened International Cooperation: A decline in UNESCO's influence could weaken international cooperation in areas such as education, science, and culture, potentially hindering progress on global challenges.
• Increased Geopolitical Competition: The US withdrawal could intensify geopolitical competition within UNESCO, as different countries vie for influence and seek to promote their own agendas.
• Alternative Multilateral Frameworks: If UNESCO fails to adapt and reform, other countries may seek to create alternative multilateral frameworks to address global challenges in education, science, and culture.

Australia's Strategic Considerations

For Australia, this situation requires careful consideration of its strategic interests. Australia needs to:

• Reaffirm its commitment to multilateralism: Australia should reaffirm its commitment to international cooperation and the importance of organisations like UNESCO.
• Engage constructively with UNESCO: Australia should actively participate in UNESCO's programs and initiatives, working to promote its values and interests.
• Advocate for reform: Australia should use its influence within UNESCO to advocate for reforms that improve the organisation's effectiveness and relevance.
• Strengthen regional partnerships: Australia should strengthen its partnerships with other countries in the Asia-Pacific region to address shared challenges in education, science, and culture.

The US withdrawal from UNESCO is a significant event with potentially far-reaching consequences. It's a reminder of the challenges facing multilateralism in a changing world and the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges. Australia has a vital role to play in shaping the future of UNESCO and ensuring that it remains a relevant and effective organisation.