UNESCO plans meeting on US return

The United States to Rejoin UNESCO: A Step Towards Global Collaboration

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has exciting news to share. In a press release issued on Tuesday, it confirmed that the United States will be returning to its committee at the end of this month.

“In accordance with the Rules of Procedure, an extraordinary session of the UNESCO General Conference — the governing body that brings together all 193 Member States of the Organization — has been convened by the Director-General at the request of more than one-third of Member States,”

the release read. “This session will be held from Thursday, 29 June (3 p.m.) to Friday, 30 June (6 p.m.).”

A Positive Step Towards Global Cooperation

This decision comes after UNESCO received a letter from the U.S. State Department expressing its intention to rejoin. Director-General Audrey Azoulay wasted no time and promptly called for a special session vote on June 12, just four days after receiving the letter.

During this upcoming meeting, member states will engage in thoughtful discussions regarding the U.S. proposal and work towards establishing “the basis of a concrete financial plan.”

This financial plan is expected to include the allocation of over $540 million from Congress to settle the debt owed by the U.S. since then-President Barack Obama halted dues payment in 2011. The State Department will have until fall 2025 to utilize this funding, coinciding with the end of Azoulay’s term. Once the outstanding debts from 2011 to 2017 are settled, the U.S. will contribute approximately 0 million annually to maintain its voting membership.

It’s important to note that this decision holds significant implications for both national security and military readiness.

Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.

Rebuilding Bridges: A Renewed Commitment

The U.S. made the decision to completely withdraw from UNESCO in 2017 during the administration of then-President Donald Trump. This marked the second time the country had withdrawn from the organization.

It’s worth mentioning that Israel also left UNESCO shortly after the U.S. withdrawal in 2017. However, Palestine has been a member since 2011, demonstrating its commitment to international collaboration.

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