The Department of State notified UNESCO Director-General Irina
Bokova of the U.S. decision to withdraw from the organization and to seek to
establish a permanent observer mission to UNESCO. This decision was not taken
lightly, and reflects U.S. concerns with mounting arrears at UNESCO, the need
for fundamental reform in the organization, and continuing anti-Israel bias at
UNESCO.
The United States indicated
to the Director General its desire to remain engaged with UNESCO as a
non-member observer state in order to contribute U.S. views, perspectives and
expertise on some of the important issues undertaken by the organization,
including the protection of world heritage, advocating for press freedoms, and
promoting scientific collaboration and education.
Pursuant to Article II(6)
of the UNESCO Constitution, U.S. withdrawal will take effect on December 31,
2018. The United States will remain a full member of UNESCO until that time.
