Which of the following countries has quit from UNESCO?

Which of the following countries has quit from UNESCO?

When we talk about countries leaving international organizations, it often sparks curiosity. UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is one such prominent body. Understanding which nations have decided to step away from its membership is crucial for grasping the dynamics of global cooperation and its challenges.

Over the years, a few countries have made the decision to withdraw from UNESCO. The most prominent and recent examples include:

• The United States
• Israel

Let's delve into the specifics of these withdrawals.

The United States and UNESCO

The United States has a complex history with UNESCO. It was a founding member in 1945 but withdrew once before, from 1984 to 2003, citing concerns about what it perceived as politicization and mismanagement within the organization.

The U.S. rejoined UNESCO in 2003, but on December 29, 2017, the U.S. Department of State announced its decision to withdraw from the organization, with the withdrawal becoming effective December 31, 2018. The stated reasons for this withdrawal included:

• The need to address perceived systemic bias against Israel within UNESCO.
• Concerns about the organization's escalating arrears in payments.
• A desire to reform the organization's governance and improve its effectiveness.

It's worth noting that despite the withdrawal, the United States has expressed a desire to maintain an observer status and engage with UNESCO's programs and objectives in other capacities.

Israel and UNESCO

Israel's decision to withdraw from UNESCO was closely linked to the U.S. withdrawal. On December 29, 2017, the same day the U.S. announced its intentions, then-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prepare for the country's withdrawal from the organization.

Israel's decision was primarily a response to a resolution passed by UNESCO's World Heritage Committee in 2016 that described Israel as the "occupying power" in East Jerusalem and declared the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls a World Heritage Site in Danger. Israel viewed this resolution as biased and denying the deep historical connection of the Jewish people to Jerusalem.

Israel's withdrawal from UNESCO became effective on December 31, 2018, concurrent with the U.S. withdrawal.

Rejoining UNESCO

It is important to mention that the landscape of international organizations can shift. In recent years, there have been movements and discussions about countries potentially rejoining UNESCO. For instance, the United States announced in July 2026 that it intends to rejoin UNESCO, and this rejoining is slated to take effect in July 2026, pending a vote by member states. This highlights the fluid nature of such memberships.

Why do countries quit international organizations like UNESCO?

Countries may withdraw from international organizations like UNESCO for a variety of complex reasons. These can include:

• Disagreements over policies or resolutions: As seen with Israel and UNESCO, specific decisions made by the organization can lead to dissatisfaction and withdrawal.
• Perceived bias or politicization: Nations might feel that an organization has become too politically driven or unfairly targets certain member states.
• Financial concerns: The cost of membership and contributions can be a factor, especially if a country feels it is not receiving adequate value or if the organization is perceived as mismanaging funds.
• National interests: In some cases, a country may believe that its national interests are better served by not being a member of a particular international body.
• Desire for reform: A withdrawal might be a strategic move to pressure the organization into enacting reforms, with the potential for rejoining once those reforms are implemented.

These decisions are rarely taken lightly and often follow a period of significant deliberation and diplomatic engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How did the U.S. withdraw from UNESCO?

The United States officially notified UNESCO of its intention to withdraw in October 2017. The withdrawal became effective on December 31, 2018, after a one-year notice period as stipulated by UNESCO's constitution. The primary stated reasons were concerns about perceived systemic bias against Israel and the organization's financial management.

Why did Israel quit UNESCO?

Israel's decision to withdraw was largely a reaction to a UNESCO World Heritage Committee resolution in 2016 that referred to Israel as the "occupying power" in East Jerusalem. Israel viewed this resolution as denying its historical connection to the city and felt it demonstrated bias within the organization.

Can countries rejoin UNESCO after quitting?

Yes, countries can rejoin UNESCO after withdrawing. The United States, for example, was a member, withdrew, and then rejoined in 2003. More recently, the U.S. announced its intention to rejoin in 2026, demonstrating that membership is not always permanent.

What is UNESCO's role?

UNESCO stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Its mission is to build peace through international cooperation in these fields. It works to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. UNESCO's work involves promoting quality education for all, fostering scientific cooperation, protecting cultural heritage, and defending freedom of expression.