France reaffirms strong support for UNESCO amid US withdrawal

French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed France’s unwavering commitment to UNESCO following the United States’ decision to withdraw from the UN cultural and educational agency once again.

Macron’s message, posted on X, emphasized that the US departure would not diminish France’s dedication to the organization, Caliber.Az reports.

“Unwavering support for UNESCO, a universal guardian of science, the Ocean, education, culture, and world heritage. The withdrawal of the United States will not weaken our commitment alongside those who lead this fight,” Macron wrote.

UNESCO’s mission centers on promoting education, scientific cooperation, and cultural understanding worldwide. It also oversees an extensive list of World Heritage Sites aimed at preserving exceptional natural and architectural treasures, including landmarks such as Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Tanzania’s Serengeti, the Acropolis of Athens, and the Pyramids of Egypt.

According to UNESCO sources, despite the formal withdrawal, the United States will continue to have representation on the World Heritage Committee, similar to its status after the 2017 exit.

The US government announced its decision to leave UNESCO, criticizing the agency for what it describes as bias against Israel and the promotion of “divisive” causes. “Continued involvement in UNESCO is not in the national interest of the United States,” said State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce.

UNESCO expressed regret over the US departure, which is scheduled to take effect in December 2026, but acknowledged it was not unexpected and anticipated the financial implications would be manageable. “However regrettable, this announcement was expected, and UNESCO has prepared for it,” Director-General Audrey Azoulay said. She further condemned the move as contradicting “fundamental principles of multilateralism.”

This marks the second withdrawal of the United States from UNESCO under recent administrations. President Donald Trump had previously ordered the US exit in 2017 during his first term, only for President Joe Biden to restore membership upon taking office. The US had earlier withdrawn from UNESCO in the 1980s under President Ronald Reagan, citing concerns about corruption and pro-Soviet bias, but later rejoined under President George W. Bush.

Azoulay, who took office as UNESCO Director-General in 2017, hailed the US return as a significant achievement, highlighting the US pledge to repay outstanding contributions totaling approximately $619 million.

Looking ahead, Azoulay offered an open invitation to the United States. “The United States of America is and always will be welcome,” she affirmed.

By Vafa Guliyeva