US Rejoins UNESCO, Marking a Historic Return
The United States has rejoined Unesco, reversing its withdrawal during the Trump administration. Former President Donald Trump had announced the withdrawal in 2017, accusing Unesco of bias against Israel. An extraordinary session of the UN body's General Assembly voted overwhelmingly for the US's return, with 132 members in favor, 10 against, and 15 abstentions. The US, a founding member of Unesco, had suspended its contributions in 2011 after the body admitted Palestine as a member state. The US is in membership arrears of $619 million, which it has pledged to cover over the coming years.
