A Wake-Up Call from Trump to UNESCO

The United States has once again withdrawn from the UN’s cultural organization UNESCO.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

Greta Thunberg in Search of a Greater Thrill

Swedish Greta Thunberg originally became known as a teenage climate activist with Asperger's syndrome, supported by her ambitious parents. As she has grown older, she has evolved into a professional activist who makes a living by staging various stunts — in her view — for good causes.

Currently, there is a sailing mission underway, followed by journalists from around the world. The idea is to deliver a small shipment of food to Gaza, which, in the bigger picture, is unlikely to have any significant impact. What is essential, however, is that Thunberg once again gains media visibility — something she consistently seems to achieve successfully.

This time, however, her actions involve a greater-than-usual risk, as Israel has prohibited the delivery of aid to the territory it occupies. This is due to previous aid shipments having partly ended up in the hands of terrorists, thereby functioning as a channel of funding for them.

If and when Thunberg's group attempts to forcibly reach Gaza’s coast, it is possible that Israel will resort to strong measures to stop them. According to Finnish professor Hannu Juusola, the situation could escalate so severely that lives may be lost.

Therefore, it is worth asking — if not Thunberg herself, then those behind her — whether personal media visibility is truly worth the potential loss of human life? Or is it indeed the case that an activist behaves like an addict, who must get their fix over and over again, each time seeking a greater thrill?

Previous thoughts on the same topic:
How Hamas Exploited Aid and Lost the Support of Many Palestinians
The demands of the vandals
Preventing future fires in Hawaii is possible, but the question remains: Are animal activists and politicians prepared for the necessary measures?