What Is UNESCO? U.S. Pulls Out Of Organization

The U.S. announced Thursday that it would pull out of UNESCO, the United Nations’ cultural wing for what it claims is “anti-Israel” bias.

UNESCO stands for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

“UNESCO’s mission is to contribute to the building of a culture of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information,” according to UNESCO.

UNESCO is known for designation of world heritage sites, promoting art and culture, empowering women, promoting clean water and sex education.

“This decision was not taken lightly and reflects the U.S. concerns with mounting arrears at UNESCO the need for fundamental reform in the organization and continuing anti-Israel via at UNESCO,” read a statement from the State Department.

The U.S. decision not to pay its full dues has put it into arrears with the organization to the tune of over $500 million.

The statement also said that the administration of President Donald Trump wanted the U.S. to be a non-member observer state to UNESCO to offer U.S. “views, perspectives and expertise.”

President Barack Obama cut U.S. funding drastically to UNESCO in 2011 because Palestinians were admitted as full members, and as a result, the U.S. lost its voting power in the organization. UNESCO declared the central core of the Israeli-occupied city Hebron a Palestinian World Heritage Site in July.

President Ronald Reagan also pulled the U.S. out of UNESCO in 1984 and George W. Bush brought the U.S. back in 2002.

Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, said that she feels “profound regret” over the Trump administration’s decision.

UNESCO is based in Paris.