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Indian Express
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
US pulls out of UNESCO again. A look at the rocky ties tracing back to Raegan, with Israel at heart
The United States has once again withdrawn from UNESCO, reigniting a decades-old pattern of disengagement with the United Nations' cultural agency. This time, the trigger is familiar: the organisation's recognition of Palestine as a member state. Calling UNESCO's direction 'divisive' and 'ideological', the US Department of State said the body no longer aligns with American interests. 'Continued involvement in UNESCO is not in the national interest of the United States,' said spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, accusing the agency of pushing a globalist agenda through its focus on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The final straw, she added, was the inclusion of Palestine, which the US says fuels anti-Israel rhetoric within the organisation. It's a move that marks yet another chapter in the US's fraught history with UNESCO, one that has been marked by multiple withdrawals, funding freezes, and political posturing. The tensions go back as far as 1984, when the Ronald Reagan administration first pulled out, citing corruption, mismanagement, and a perceived pro-Soviet bias. The US eventually rejoined under George W Bush in 2003, only to slash funding again in 2011 under Barack Obama — ironically, over the same issue of Palestine's membership. The second withdrawal of the US in 2018 was again citing anti-Israel bias. Along with the US, Israel had completely stopped funding the organisation after it voted for membership of Palestine. The fund cut had deprived UNESCO of nearly a fifth of its budget, forcing it to slash programs. In 2023, after Joe Biden took over US presidency, the nation rejoined UNESCO after citing concerns that China was filling the gap left by the US in the agency's policymaking. Now, with Washington turning its back yet again, UNESCO faces fresh questions about funding and relevance, especially at a time when it's playing a key role in war-hit regions like Gaza. UNESCO has been supporting displaced children and families, helping them cope with the trauma they have been going through. According to UNESCO's website, as many as 1,580 displaced children have received aid through UNESCO's mental health and psychosocial support activities in shelters across Khan Younis and Rafah in the Southern Gaza Strip since the war broke out. Apart from that, 810 caregivers have taken part in psychosocial support workshops, boosting their ability to provide aid to both themselves and the children in their care. Palestine, a member state Palestine was added as a member state of the agency after 107 members voted in favour of it to 14 against, with 52 abstentions during UNESCO's General Conference in 2011. Anticipating dissent from the US, UNESCO then Director-General Irina Bokova had raised concern that funding from the largest contributor may be jeopardized. Bokov was quoted as saying in a statement by UNSECO: 'I am worried we may confront a situation that could erode UNESCO as a universal platform for dialogue. I am worried for the stability of its budget. 'It is well-known that funding from our largest contributor, the United States, may be jeopardized,' she noted. 'I believe it is the responsibility of all of us to make sure that UNESCO does not suffer unduly as a result….' 'UNESCO's work is too important to be jeopardised,' she said.
See - Sada Elbalad
16-07-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egyptian Ambassador Honored in Armenia on National Day Celebration
Israa Farhan The President of Armenia welcomed Egyptian Ambassador Serenad Gamil in Yerevan this week to extend congratulations on Egypt's National Day, highlighting the strength of bilateral relations between the two nations. In celebration of the occasion, Ambassador Gamil hosted a formal reception at the Egyptian Embassy in Yerevan, attended by prominent figures from Armenia's diplomatic, political, and cultural circles. The event reaffirmed the deepening ties between Egypt and Armenia. Ambassador Serenad Gamil serves as Egypt's Ambassador to Armenia and as a non-resident Ambassador to Georgia. A seasoned diplomat, she began her career at the Egyptian Embassy in Paris between 1996 and 2000, during which she was also part of Egypt's delegation to UNESCO's General Conference. She later served as Egypt's Consul General in Paris from 2014 to 2018. Her distinguished diplomatic career includes postings in Tunisia, Vienna, and Paris, along with active roles in international organizations and cultural diplomacy. She also served as Director of the Francophonie Unit at Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was appointed Deputy Assistant Minister for International Political Affairs from 2019 to 2022. Gamil was appointed Egypt's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia and non-resident Ambassador to Georgia. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
Yemen Online
13-07-2025
- Yemen Online
UNESCO commends UAE leadership's commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage
Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), commended the pioneering role played by the United Arab Emirates in protecting and preserving cultural and natural heritage both nationally and globally. Miculescu expressed her appreciation for the UAE's recent success in inscribing the Faya Palaeolandscape in Sharjah on the UNESCO World Heritage List. She described this achievement as a powerful message reflecting the UAE's deep commitment to preserving shared human memory and recognising the value of heritage sites as bridges for dialogue and understanding between peoples, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported. Miculescu emphasised that the UAE's role extends beyond its national borders, stating:"The UAE not only protects its own national heritage but also takes the initiative to help safeguard global heritage. This reflects its civilisational vision and ethical responsibility toward all humanity." Regarding the exceptional value of the Faya archaeological site, Miculescu explained: "Faya is not merely an archaeological site. It stands as evidence of early stages in human development and illustrates human interaction with the natural environment in an area of exceptional geological and cultural significance." She highlighted that what makes the site distinctive is its direct connection to the first human migrations from Africa to Asia a critical phase in human history that continues to be the subject of intense academic study. The documented discoveries at the site, she added, offer rich material for researchers and anthropologists. She also applauded the UAE's approach to integrating heritage preservation with sustainable development plans, emphasizing that the country sets an example of how heritage sites can serve as a foundation for both cultural and economic development. This is achieved through investment in sustainable tourism and by involving local communities in the management and protection of these sites. She described the UAE's experience as a model for other countries in the region and around the world. On bilateral relations, the President of the UNESCO General Conference expressed the organisation's pride in its partnership with the UAE, stating:"We appreciate its tangible contributions, whether through funding initiatives or actively participating in the shaping of global cultural policies. The UAE consistently affirms that culture is not a luxury, but a necessity for achieving global peace and prosperity." In conclusion, Miculescu conveyed her appreciation to the UAE leadership, saying:"We view the UAE as a progressive model that combines modernity with respect for cultural roots. Its commitment to heritage protection sends a message of hope that progress can go hand in hand with preserving identity."
Gulf Today
13-07-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
UN official praises UAE's feat on Faya honour to Sharjah
Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), commended the pioneering role played by the United Arab Emirates in protecting and preserving cultural and natural heritage both nationally and globally. She affirmed that the UAE is a key partner of the Paris-based organisation and a model to be emulated in this field. This praise came during an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM) in Paris, where Miculescu expressed her appreciation for the UAE's recent success in inscribing the Faya Palaeolandscape in Sharjah on the Unesco World Heritage List. She described this achievement as a powerful message reflecting the UAE's deep commitment to preserving shared human memory and recognising the value of heritage sites as bridges for dialogue and understanding between peoples. Miculescu emphasised that the UAE's role extends beyond its national borders, stating: 'The UAE not only protects its own national heritage but also takes the initiative to help safeguard global heritage. This reflects its civilisational vision and ethical responsibility toward all humanity.' She noted that the UAE is among Unesco's principal partners, having provided clear support for major international initiatives, including the rehabilitation of heritage sites damaged by conflict, particularly in the Arab region. Regarding the exceptional value of the Faya archaeological site, Miculescu explained: 'Faya is not merely an archaeological site. It stands as evidence of early stages in human development and illustrates human interaction with the natural environment in an area of exceptional geological and cultural significance.' She highlighted that what makes the site distinctive is its direct connection to the first human migrations from Africa to Asia — a critical phase in human history that continues to be the subject of intense academic study. The documented discoveries at the site, she added, offer rich material for researchers and anthropologists. The Unesco official praised the efforts that led to this international recognition, saying: 'Its inscription on the World Heritage List is a highly significant step, made possible by meticulous scientific work and long-term efforts by the UAE in collaboration with international experts, all in accordance with Unesco's rigorous standards. The UAE's nomination file was comprehensive and compelling, and we highly value this level of professionalism.' She also applauded the UAE's approach to integrating heritage preservation with sustainable development plans, emphasising that the country sets an example of how heritage sites can serve as a foundation for both cultural and economic development. This is achieved through investment in sustainable tourism and by involving local communities in the management and protection of these sites. She described the UAE's experience as a model for other countries in the region and around the world. On bilateral relations, the President of the Unesco General Conference expressed the organisation's pride in its partnership with the UAE, stating: 'We appreciate its tangible contributions, whether through funding initiatives or actively participating in the shaping of global cultural policies. The UAE consistently affirms that culture is not a luxury, but a necessity for achieving global peace and prosperity.' In conclusion, Miculescu conveyed her appreciation to the UAE leadership, saying: 'We view the UAE as a progressive model that combines modernity with respect for cultural roots. Its commitment to heritage protection sends a message of hope—that progress can go hand in hand with preserving identity.' She expressed her anticipation for strengthening future cooperation and seeing more UAE historical sites added to the World Heritage List, given their profound human and scientific value to the people of the world. WAM
Al Etihad
13-07-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
UNESCO commends UAE leadership's commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage
13 July 2025 09:53 PARIS (WAM)President of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Simona-Mirela Miculescu, commended the pioneering role played by the United Arab Emirates in protecting and preserving cultural and natural heritage both nationally and globally. She affirmed that the UAE is a key partner of the Paris-based organisation and a model to be emulated in this an interview with WAM, Miculescu expressed her appreciation for the UAE's recent success in inscribing the Faya Palaeolandscape in Sharjah on the UNESCO World Heritage described this achievement as a powerful message reflecting the UAE's deep commitment to preserving shared human memory and recognising the value of heritage sites as bridges for dialogue and understanding between emphasised that the UAE's role extends beyond its national borders, stating, 'The UAE not only protects its own national heritage but also takes the initiative to help safeguard global heritage. This reflects its civilisational vision and ethical responsibility toward all humanity.'She noted that the UAE is among UNESCO's principal partners, having provided clear support for major international initiatives, including the rehabilitation of heritage sites damaged by conflict, particularly in the Arab the exceptional value of the Faya archaeological site, Miculescu explained, 'Faya is not merely an archaeological site. It stands as evidence of early stages in human development and illustrates human interaction with the natural environment in an area of exceptional geological and cultural significance.'She highlighted that what makes the site distinctive is its direct connection to the first human migrations from Africa to Asia—a critical phase in human history that continues to be the subject of intense academic documented discoveries at the site, she added, offer rich material for researchers and UNESCO official praised the efforts that led to this international recognition, saying, 'Its inscription on the World Heritage List is a highly significant step, made possible by meticulous scientific work and long-term efforts by the UAE in collaboration with international experts, all in accordance with UNESCO's rigorous standards. The UAE's nomination file was comprehensive and compelling, and we highly value this level of professionalism.'She also applauded the UAE's approach to integrating heritage preservation with sustainable development plans, emphasising that the country sets an example of how heritage sites can serve as a foundation for both cultural and economic development. This is achieved through investment in sustainable tourism and by involving local communities in the management and protection of these sites, Miculescu said. She described the UAE's experience as a model for other countries in the region and around the bilateral relations, the President of the UNESCO General Conference expressed the organisation's pride in its partnership with the UAE, stating, 'We appreciate its tangible contributions, whether through funding initiatives or actively participating in the shaping of global cultural policies. The UAE consistently affirms that culture is not a luxury, but a necessity for achieving global peace and prosperity.'In conclusion, Miculescu conveyed her appreciation to the UAE leadership, saying, 'We view the UAE as a progressive model that combines modernity with respect for cultural roots. Its commitment to heritage protection sends a message of hope—that progress can go hand in hand with preserving identity.' She expressed her anticipation for strengthening future cooperation and seeing more UAE historical sites added to the World Heritage List, given their profound human and scientific value to the people of the world.
