"US to Rejoin UNESCO, Undoing Trump Policy and Easing Tensions with China and Israel"

The Biden administration plans to rejoin UNESCO, reversing a major Trump-era policy decision, in order to potentially counter China's influence over the group. The U.S. sees a return to UNESCO as a necessary effort to re-establish influence in the organization due to its growing role as a forum to develop guidelines for emerging artificial intelligence (AI) and other sensitive technologies. The decision has been criticized by some who see it as a violation of the long-standing will of Congress and a flagrant violation of American interests. The Biden administration plans to request an appropriation of $150 million from Congress for fiscal year 2024 to pay UNESCO, with similar payments to follow in ensuing years.