Trump pulls US out of Unesco in blow for UN culture and education agency
'Unesco works to advance divisive social and cultural causes and maintains an outsized focus on the UN's sustainable development goals, a globalist, ideological agenda for international development at odds with our America First foreign policy,' a state department spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, said in a statement.
The move is a blow to the Paris-based global organisation, founded after the second world war to promote peace through international cooperation in education, science and culture.
The decision is part of the president's second-term drive to pull the US out of a series of global bodies, including leaving the World Health Organization (WHO), halting funding to the Palestinian relief agency Unwra and withdrawing from the UN human rights council, as part of a review of US participation in UN agencies.
A US withdrawal, which would take effect in December 2026, will be a blow to Unesco's work on education, culture and combating hate speech. But officials at the Unesco headquarters in Paris had been braced for a potential US departure during Trump's second term. The US provides about 8% of the body's total budget, making the financial impact of Washington's departure less severe than for other organisations, such as the WHO, for which the US is by far the biggest financial backer.
'President Trump has decided to withdraw the United States from Unesco – which supports woke, divisive cultural and social causes that are totally out of step with the commonsense policies that Americans voted for in November,' the White House deputy spokesperson Anna Kelly told the New York Post.
In February, the White House had announced a 90-day review of the US membership of Unesco, saying in a statement that the global body had 'demonstrated failure to reform itself, has continually demonstrated anti-Israel sentiment over the past decade, and has failed to address concerns over mounting arrears'.
Unesco, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is best known for designating world heritage sites including the Grand Canyon in the United States and the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria. But it also has a large cultural and education programme to promote intercultural dialogue.
The US was a founding member of Unesco in 1945, but this latest departure will be the third time it has quit.
Washington first withdrew in 1983 under Ronald Reagan, whose administration said the global organisation had anti-western bias and 'has extraneously politicised virtually every subject it deals with'. The US then rejoined under the president George W Bush in 2003, with the White House saying it was happy with Unesco reforms.
Then Trump pulled the US out of Unesco in 2017, during his first term as president. His administration cited what it called 'mounting arrears, the need for fundamental reform in the organisation, and continuing anti-Israel bias'.
The US returned to Unesco in 2023 under Joe Biden. The Biden administration said it was crucial to rejoin in order to counter 'Chinese influence'. China had become the organisation's biggest financial backer in Washington's absence. As a condition of readmission, the US agreed to pay about $619m in unpaid dues and make contributions to programs supporting education access initiatives in Africa, Holocaust remembrance and journalists' safety.
In 2011, Unesco voted to admit Palestine, which is not formally recognized by the US or Israel as a UN member state. The Barack Obama White House had cut Unesco contributions, resulting in the US owing millions in arrears to the organisation.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
27 minutes ago
- Reuters
India engaged in further trade talks with US, Indian government source says
NEW DELHI, Aug 1 (Reuters) - India is engaged in trade talks with the United States, an Indian government source with knowledge of the discussions said on Friday, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order imposing a 25% tariff on New Delhi's exports. Trump set steep import duties on dozens of trading partners, including a 35% tariff on many goods from Canada, 50% for Brazil, 20% for Taiwan and 39% for Switzerland, according to a presidential executive order. A U.S. delegation is expected to visit New Delhi later this month, the government source said. "We remain focused on the substantive agenda that our two countries have committed to and are confident that the relationship will continue to move forward," India's foreign ministry said in a statement on Friday. Trade talks between Washington and New Delhi have been bogged down by issues including access to India's highly protected agriculture and dairy sector. Nearly $40 billion worth of exports from the South Asian nation - the world's fifth largest economy - could be impacted by Trump's tariff salvo, according to the source. Without a deal, the rate singles out India for harsher trade conditions than its major peers, potentially damaging the economy of a strategic U.S. partner in Asia that is seen as a counterbalance to Chinese influence. The source said there is no question of compromising on India's agriculture and dairy sectors, especially not allowing import of dairy products due to religiously based opposition to animal feed in these products. On Wednesday, Trump also threatened additional penalties on India for its commercial dealings with Russia and membership in the BRICS group of major emerging and developing economies. There is no clarity yet on the penalty. Trump accuses BRICS of pursuing "anti-American policies". Differences between the U.S. and India cannot be resolved overnight to arrive at a trade deal, a senior U.S. official said on Thursday. The U.S. has a trade deficit of $46 billion with India.
Metro
27 minutes ago
- Metro
Full list of Donald Trump's new tariffs set to come into force next week
Donald Trump has signed the executive order which will bring into force sweeping new tariffs on imports from dozens of countries. In a major break from the USA's long-standing free trade policy, the US president has been hiking taxes on goods arriving on US soil from around the world. In April, a universal 10% tariff affecting goods from nearly all other countries came into force. Additional rates, which Trump dubiously calls 'reciprocal tariffs', were announced at the time but suspended after they led to a global stock market crash. He has now revived the strategy, which will impose specific rates of 10% to 41% on 69 different countries next Friday. Before Trump's second term, US tariffs averaged around 2.2%, so economists expect the effect on trade to be seismic. Trump has repeatedly called these new rates 'reciprocal tariffs', claiming this means 'they do it to us and we do it to them'. In reality, very few of these 69 countries have been levying tariffs on US imports at anywhere near the same scale. More Trending The president's own council of economists said that more than half of countries 'don't really have any tariffs on us'. But the Trump administration insists that other barriers to trade such as safety inspection and labelling requirements have the same effect. It created a formula – heavily criticised by economists as overly simplistic – which it used to come up with the new rates it wuold charge each country. Here is the full list of the new so-called 'reciprocal tariffs' coming into force next week: Syria 41% Laos 40% Myanmar (Burma) 40% Switzerland 39% Iraq 35% Serbia 35% Algeria 30% Bosnia and Herzegovina 30% Libya 30% South Africa 30% Brunei 25% India 25% Kazakhstan 25% Moldova 25% Tunisia 25% Bangladesh 20% Sri Lanka 20% Taiwan 20% Vietnam 20% Cambodia 19% Indonesia 19% Malaysia 19% Pakistan 19% Philippines 19% Thailand 19% Nicaragua 18% Afghanistan 15% Angola 15% Bolivia 15% Botswana 15% Cameroon 15% Chad 15% Costa Rica 15% Côte d`Ivoire 15% Democratic Republic of the Congo 15% Ecuador 15% Equatorial Guinea 15% European Union* 15% Fiji 15% Ghana 15% Guyana 15% Iceland 15% Israel 15% Japan 15% Jordan 15% Lesotho 15% Liechtenstein 15% Madagascar 15% Malawi 15% Mauritius 15% Mozambique 15% Namibia 15% Nauru 15% New Zealand 15% Nigeria 15% North Macedonia 15% Norway 15% Papua New Guinea 15% South Korea 15% Trinidad and Tobago 15% Turkey 15% Uganda 15% Vanuatu 15% Venezuela 15% Zambia 15% Zimbabwe 15% Brazil 10% Falkland Islands 10% United Kingdom 10% Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Couple welcome 'world's oldest baby' born from embryo frozen 31 years ago MORE: 'Panama Playlists' leak exposes JD Vance's favourite boy bands MORE: Trump tearing down parts of White House to build £150,000,000 ballroom
The Independent
27 minutes ago
- The Independent
The Latest: US trade partners around the world react to Trump's new tariffs
U.S. trade partners reacted Friday to President Donald Trump 's executive order that would introduce new tariffs on many of them in seven days, as the global economy and alliances face another test from the president's trade agenda. Trump's order issued Thursday night came after a flurry of tariff-related activity in recent days as the White House announced agreements with various nations and blocs before a deadline set by the president for Aug. 1. Trump ordered a 35% tariff for goods from Canada, effective from Friday, citing a lack of cooperation on illicit drugs. He also said Thursday that he would extend trade negotiations with Mexico for 90 days. Here's the latest: Swiss pharmaceutical Novartis reacts to 39% tariff Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis said in a statement that it was reviewing U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order that imposes a 39% tariff on Switzerland. 'We remain committed to finding ways to improve access and affordability for patients,' it said. Thailand says 19% rate reflects 'close partnership' with US Thailand's finance minister says the 19% tariff rate imposed by the U.S. 'reflects the strong friendship and close partnership' between the two countries. Thailand's new rate of 19% was reduced from 36%, similar to other rates imposed on Southeast Asian nations, such as Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira wrote in a social media post on Friday that it would 'maintain Thailand's competitiveness on the global stage' and opens the 'door to economic growth,' but also acknowledged it would pose problems for some sectors of the economy and said that 'comprehensive support measures have been prepared." Speaking to reporters at a news conference in Bangkok later Friday, Pichai said that the deal will still need more time to be hammered out in details. Pakistan welcomes 19% tariffs under US trade deal Pakistan on Friday welcomed a new tariff arrangement with the United States that sets a 19% duty on Pakistani exports, calling it a positive step that could boost trade and economic growth. The new rate is lower than the 29% tariff initially announced by U.S. President Donald Trump and below the 25% currently imposed on neighboring India. The Finance Ministry said the agreement reflects a 'balanced and forward-looking approach' by U.S. authorities and will help keep Pakistani goods competitive in the American market compared to other South and Southeast Asian countries. The ministry said the revised tariff is expected to benefit key export sectors, particularly textiles, which remain the backbone of Pakistan's export economy. The ministry said that Pakistan will continue to engage closely with Trump and the U.S. administration to promote the shared goals of economic development and mutual prosperity. Norway wants 'zero tariffs' Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre told newspaper VG that he believes the Scandinavian country should have 'zero tariffs.' Gahr Støre, following the White House's announcement, said Norwegian officials are still in talks with Washington in the hopes of eliminating the duties altogether. Norway got hit with an expected 15% tariff. Switzerland hit with 39% tariff and will try to negotiate The land of luxury watches, pharmaceuticals and secretive financial services was reeling Friday, Switzerland's National Day, upon learning it had been slapped with a 39% tariff, although U.S. President Donald Trump had proposed a 31% rate in April. The Swiss government said officials will continue to seek a negotiated solution. 'The Federal Council notes with great regret that, despite the progress made in bilateral talks and Switzerland's very constructive stance from the outset, the US intends to impose unilateral additional tariffs on imports from Switzerland,' the government said in a post on X. Trump orders 35% tariff on Canadian goods U.S. President Donald Trump has raised the tariff rate on U.S. imports from Canada to 35% from 25%, effective Friday, citing a lack of cooperation on illicit drugs. The announcement from the White House late Thursday said that Canada had failed 'to do more to arrest, seize, detain, or otherwise intercept drug trafficking organizations, other drug or human traffickers, criminals at large, and illicit drugs." Trump earlier had threatened to impose the higher tariff on Canada if no deal was reached by Friday, his deadline for reaching trade agreements with dozens of countries. Canada wasn't included in Trump's updated list of tariff rates on other countries announced late Thursday. Those import duties are due to take effect on Aug. 7. Malaysia hails 'significant achievement' in 19% tariff rate Malaysia's Trade Ministry said Friday that the U.S. tariff reduction from 25% to 19% was a 'significant achievement' as the deal was struck without compromising key national interests. 'The 19% rate roughly tracks the rate of other countries in the Southeast Asian region,' the ministry said in a statement. 'Most importantly, Malaysia had stood firm on various 'red line' items, and the 19% tariff rate was achieved without compromising the nation's sovereign right to implement key policies to support the nation's socio-economic stability and growth.' The ministry said that Malaysia's economy remains resilient despite global headwinds, citing strong domestic demand and ongoing structural reforms. The statement didn't give further details, but officials previously said that nontariff barriers such as halal certification, which affects U.S. beef and poultry exports, along with digital trade and government procurement were sticking points. It's unclear what concessions Malaysia made. Cambodia will impose zero tariffs on all American goods Cambodia's deputy prime minister, who led trade talks with the U.S., thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for setting the tariff rate on Cambodian goods at 19% and said the government would impose zero tariffs on all American goods. When Washington originally posted its list of notional 'reciprocal' tariffs, the rate for goods from Cambodia was 49%, one of the highest in the world. It had estimated that Cambodian tariffs on U.S. imports averaged 97%. Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol also said Cambodia would purchase 10 passenger aircraft from Boeing in a deal they hoped to sign later this month. Several other nations had already announced similar aircraft purchase deals as part of their trade packages. Trump had threatened to not conclude a deal with reduced tariffs if Cambodia and Thailand didn't stop a recent armed conflict over border territory. The two nations agreed on a ceasefire beginning Tuesday that appears to be holding. Cambodia publicly celebrated Trump's peace initiative, suggesting he deserved a Nobel Prize for his intervention. Sun Chanthol said Friday that Cambodia would nominate him for the honor. Australia says 10% rate gives country competitive advantage Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell says gaining the minimum 10% U.S. tariff on exports including beef, lamb, wine and wheat gave Australia a competitive advantage over some competitors. Farrell told reporters Australia did not introduce tariffs on U.S. goods at any point, and added, 'I haven't seen any case or any example where the retaliatory imposition of tariffs has resulted in a country being in a better position." Farrell argues that no U.S. tariffs can be justified because Australia imposes no tariffs on its bilateral free trade partner. The United States has enjoyed a trade surplus with Australia for decades. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been criticized for failing to secure a face-to-face meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss trade. Japan welcomes Trump's signing of executive order Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump's signing of the executive order setting Japan's new reciprocal tariffs as a step that would reduce uncertainty of the U.S. trade policy and its negative impact on the global economy, including that of Japan. Hayashi, however, said Japan still needs to closely examine the measures and continue urging prompt implementation by the U.S. government to carry out the agreement, including reduction of tariffs on automobiles and auto parts. Hayashi acknowledged that Japan's new tariff rate of 15% is a 'major reduction' from the initially imposed 25%, but his government will continue to watch and mitigate its impact on Japanese exports, including by providing financial assistance for small and medium-sized businesses. New Zealand looks to lobby for lower tariff rates New Zealand officials said they would lobby the administration for a change to the 15% tariff announced for the country's exporters to the U.S. It's an increase from the original 10% baseline announced for New Zealand in April. 'We don't think this is a good thing. We don't think it's warranted,' Trade Minister Todd McClay told Radio New Zealand Friday. He said New Zealand appeared to have been targeted for a larger levy because the country sells more to the U.S. than it imports, but that the gap of about half a billion dollars each year was 'not significant or meaningful.' Neighboring Australia dodged an increase to remain at 10%, but it buys more from the U.S. than it exports, McClay added. The United States in January overtook Australia to become New Zealand's second-largest export partner, behind China. New Zealand exports are largely made up of meat, dairy, wine and agricultural machinery. Taiwan president says final tariff negotiations yet to come Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan had yet to engage in final negotiations with the U.S. owing to scheduling difficulties and that he was hopeful the final tariff rate would be reduced even further after a final round of talks. The Trump administration hit Taiwan with 32% tariffs, and lowered it to 20% on Thursday. Taiwan was notified on Thursday by the administration of the lower rate. 'Twenty percent from the beginning has not been our goal. We hope that in further negotiations we will get a more beneficial and more reasonable tax rate,' he told reporters in Taipei on Friday. Lai also linked trade talks to security issues, as the U.S. is Taiwan's largest ally even though it does not formally recognize the island. 'We want to strengthen U.S. Taiwan cooperation in national security, tech, and multiple areas,' he said Friday. The U.S. is Taiwan's most important export market and strategic ally, Lai said in an earlier statement Friday morning. Cambodia prime minister thanks Trump for dropping tariff rate Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed his thanks to U.S. President Donald Trump for the dropping of tariffs from 36% to 19% and he called the reduction 'good news' for Cambodia. Posted on his social media platform, Hun Manet said Trump hadn't only helped broker a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand forces after nearly a weeklong clash, but also assisted Cambodia's economy by lowering tariffs. 'This is good news for the people and economy of Cambodia to continue developing the country,' Hun Manet said. Thailand successfully negotiates lower tariff rates Thailand's government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub said Thailand says the U.S. agreed to reduce the tariffs rate from 36% to 19%, a rate similar to those imposed on many other Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines. 'It's one of the major successes of Team Thailand in a win-win approach, to secure the country's export base and economic security in a long run,' he said in a statement. He didn't immediately say what was the latest offer Thailand made to the U.S. The agreement came days after a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia to halt the nearly weeklong clashes that killed at least 41 people. It was brokered with U.S. pressure as President Donald Trump said he wouldn't move forward with trade agreements if the conflict continued.
