United States Plans To Rejoin UNESCO, Boosting Financial Support And Addressing Management Reform

In a surprising move, the United States has announced its plans to rejoin the United Nations cultural and scientific agency, UNESCO, after a decade-long dispute sparked by the inclusion of Palestine as a member. The decision, driven by concerns over China's increasing influence in setting global standards for artificial intelligence and technology education, has been welcomed by UNESCO. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma formally submitted a letter last week to UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay, solidifying the plan for reentry.

Financial Boost for UNESCO and Addressing Management Reform

UNESCO's decision to welcome back the United States, once its largest funder, is expected to face a vote by the organization's 193 member states next month. The return of the U.S., along with the payment of over $600 million in back dues, is a significant financial boost for UNESCO's initiatives, including the renowned World Heritage program, climate change efforts, and educational projects for girls.

The Dispute and Efforts for Reconciliation

The dispute leading to the U.S. withdrawal from UNESCO began in 2011 when both the U.S. and Israel halted their funding after Palestine was admitted as a member state. The Trump administration further escalated tensions by deciding to withdraw from the agency in 2017, citing concerns of anti-Israel bias and management problems. However, in recent years, UNESCO, under the leadership of Audrey Azoulay, has made efforts to address the reasons for the U.S. departure. Through budget reforms and consensus-building among Jordanian, Palestinian, and Israeli diplomats, Azoulay has worked towards decreasing politicized debates, particularly on Middle East issues.

US Decision Resulting from Years of Work and Bipartisan Negotiations

According to Azoulay, the U.S. decision to rejoin UNESCO is the result of five years of work, focusing on calming tensions, improving response to challenges, and modernizing the organization's functioning. She met with Democrats and Republicans in Washington to explain these efforts, leading to bipartisan negotiations. UNESCO diplomats express confidence that the U.S. decision to return is for the long term, irrespective of the outcome of the upcoming presidential election.

Future Plans and Funding

Under the reentry plan, the U.S. government has committed to paying its 2023 dues, along with an additional $10 million in bonus contributions this year. These funds will be earmarked for initiatives such as Holocaust education, preserving cultural heritage in Ukraine, ensuring journalist safety, and advancing science and technology education in Africa. The Biden administration has also requested $150 million for the 2024 budget to fulfill UNESCO dues and arrears, with similar requests anticipated in subsequent years until the total debt of $619 million is cleared.

China's Strengthened Position and UNESCO's Financial Uncertainty

The absence of the United States from UNESCO has allowed China to strengthen its influence within the organization, specifically in shaping standards for technology and science teaching globally. Undersecretary of State for Management John Bass highlights that UNESCO's role in the digital-age competition with China is crucial, and the U.S. cannot afford to be absent any longer.

UNESCO faced financial uncertainty during the U.S. absence, leading to budget cuts across various programs. Azoulay undertook aggressive efforts to secure voluntary financing from other countries to mitigate the impact. The return of the United States is expected to energize UNESCO's programs, particularly in regulating artificial intelligence, promoting girls' education in Afghanistan, and documenting victims of slavery in the Caribbean. Additionally, the agency expresses its willingness to welcome Israel back should it decide to rejoin.

A History of Withdrawals and Reentry

This marks the second time the United States has rejoined UNESCO, having previously pulled out in 1984 and rejoining in 2003 after concerns over mismanagement, corruption, and perceived alignment with Soviet interests.

(With AP Inputs)