The United States has once again withdrawn from the UN’s cultural organization UNESCO. The reason cited was the organization’s focus on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, as well as its promotion of socially and culturally divisive issues — and continued focus on them.
According to a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, such a globalist and ideological international development agenda is in conflict with the America First foreign policy pursued by the Trump administration.
According to UNESCO’s own statement, it operates as a global laboratory of ideas in the fields of education, science, culture, and communication, and as a catalyst for international cooperation. It declares its values as follows: "Our #SharingHumanity campaign reminds us of our global values, culture, and knowledge. By strengthening these ties, we build the foundations of peace between people and nations."
It remains to be seen what impact the U.S. withdrawal — similar to what happened during Trump’s first term — will have on the organization’s operations. Most likely, the impact will not be overwhelming, since only about 8 percent of UNESCO’s budget comes from the United States — less than what most UN agencies receive from the U.S.
Nevertheless, it would be beneficial if UNESCO — and its supporters — would also openly examine whether the Trump administration’s claims have any basis in reality. And if such a basis is found, that the organization take steps to address the issue, in order to better and more cost-effectively fulfill its missions in the future than it does at present.
Previous thoughts on the same topic:
Finland Decides to Withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty — But What Business Is It of Guterres?
António Guterres, You Won’t Stop Russia – But Mines Might
Iran Rejects Direct Nuclear Talks with U.S., Calls Them Pointless
Finland is a rich country, I am sure we can fullfill the deficit caused by the USA withdrawal. What ever it takes.
ReplyDelete