Latest news with #UnitedNationsEducational
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
China fills UNESCO power vacuum as US withdraws funding again
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), known for designating must-see cultural sites in travel guidebooks, is increasingly influenced by China. Beijing has ramped up efforts to shape UNESCO's decisions on education, historical sites, and artificial intelligence, stepping into a gap left by the United States. US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the US from UNESCO removes a key counterbalance to China's growing sway, as the US was once the agency's largest funder, contributing nearly 25 per cent of its budget. China has aggressively pursued UNESCO World Heritage designations, aiming to surpass Italy for the most culturally significant sites. 'China views soft power as essential to expanding its global influence and UNESCO as key to establishing its culture and history as prominent on the world stage,' states a document circulated within the Biden administration urging him to rejoin the organisation after Trump withdrew in his first term. Some of these sites are in oppressed regions like Tibet and Xinjiang, where local residents see the designations as Beijing's attempt to control their culture. UNESCO's influence extends beyond history to setting global guidelines for artificial intelligence. The agency has an agreement with iFlytek, a major Chinese AI company, to collaborate on higher education in Asia and Africa, per Chinese state media. A Chinese official now serves as UNESCO's deputy director general. The US has had a rocky relationship with UNESCO, pulling funding in the 1990s after Palestine was accepted as a full member and withdrawing entirely in 2018 over claims of anti-Israel bias. The Biden administration rejoined UNESCO, citing concerns about Chinese influence, and worked to restore American presence through partnerships with tech companies like Microsoft and Netflix. However, with the US now exiting again, China's influence is likely to grow further.
USA Today
a day ago
- USA Today
Port Royal added as Jamaica's second UNESCO World Heritage Site
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, better known by its acronym, UNESCO, added a second heritage site in Jamaica this week, at Port Royal. According to the Jamaica Tourist Board, Port Royal is one of the oldest and most historic regions in the country, known for its role as a home for pirates and its place in the transatlantic trade beginning in the 17th century, including its history as a hub for slave trading. "Port Royal stands as one of Jamaica's most extraordinary cultural assets, rich in history and unmatched in character. Its designation as our second UNESCO World Heritage Site is not just an honor, but a powerful affirmation of its global value," Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, said in a statement. "We are deeply proud that the legacy of 17th-century Port Royal, once the most significant English settlement in the region and the only authentic sunken city in the Western Hemisphere, will now be safeguarded and celebrated for generations to come." Much of Port Royal was inundated following an earthquake in 1692, and there are historical and archeological treasures there both above and below the waterline. Visitors to the area can still see historical artifacts throughout the neighborhood, including at Fort Charles, which is now a museum. Port Royal is Jamaica's second World Heritage Site, with the first being the Blue and John Crow Mountains, a rugged and forested area in the country's east, which served as a refuge and hideout for people fleeing slavery. That site was listed by UNESCO in 2015. According to UNESCO, World Heritage Sites receive legal protection meant to help perserve an area or a landmark's historical significance. On Tuesday, July 22, the Trump administration announced the U.S. would be withdrawing from UNESCO.
Arab Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
France regrets US decision to withdraw from UNESCO: official
PARIS, July 23, (Xinhua): France, as the host country and a founding member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), regrets the US decision to quit UNESCO, the spokesperson of the country's foreign ministry said on Tuesday. France supports UNESCO with regard to access to education for all, the protection of endangered heritage, the preservation of the oceans, the responsible development of artificial intelligence, and the fight against anti-Semitism and hate speech, the spokesperson said in a press release. Earlier Tuesday afternoon, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed on his X account France's "unwavering support" for UNESCO. He called UNESCO a "universal guardian of science, the ocean, education, culture, and world heritage." On Tuesday, the United States announced its decision to pull out of UNESCO in December 2026. According to a statement by the US State Department, the withdrawal was due to what Washington saw as the UN cultural agency's policy to "advance divisive social and cultural causes" over the Israel-Palestine conflicts. In response, Audrey Azoulay, director-general of UNESCO, expressed regret over the U.S. decision, calling it inconsistent with the fundamental principles of multilateralism. She rejected the stated reasons for the withdrawal, emphasizing that UNESCO remains a "rare forum for building consensus through concrete, action-oriented multilateralism." The US exit will take effect at the end of December 2026. This will be the third time that Washington has left UNESCO, and the second time during the administration under Donald Trump.
Scroll.in
a day ago
- Politics
- Scroll.in
United States says it will withdraw from UNESCO
The United States on Tuesday announced its decision to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, citing concerns about 'anti-Israel rhetoric' and the promotion of 'divisive' agendas. President Donald Trump had pulled out of the organisation in 2017 as well during his first term, a decision that his successor Joe Biden had reversed. US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on Tuesday that Washington's continued involvement in UNESCO was 'not in the national interest' of the country. UNESCO is a body of the United Nations that promotes world peace through international cooperation in culture, arts, education and sciences. Bruce accused the organisation of advancing 'divisive social and cultural causes'. 'UNESCO…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,' she said. The spokesperson also criticised the body's 2011 decision to admit Palestine as a member state, calling it 'highly problematic' and a contributor to 'anti-Israel rhetoric within the organisation'. Washington is an ally of Israel and acts as a guarantor of the country's security. Both the US and Israel had stopped financing UNESCO after it voted to include Palestine as a member state. In a social media post, Bruce said that 'going forward, US participation in international organisations must make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous'. The decision will take effect at the end of December 2026, her statement added. This is the third time US has pulled out of UNESCO. The country first withdrew from UNESCO in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan's administration, citing the international body's mismanagement, corruption, and advancement of Soviet Union interests. The US rejoined the organisation in 2003. Today, the United States announced our decision to withdraw from UNESCO. Like many UN organizations, UNESCO strayed from its founding mission. Going forward, U.S. participation in international organizations must make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. — Tammy Bruce (@statedeptspox) July 22, 2025 UNESCO says withdrawal was 'anticipated' Responding to Washington's announcement, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said that she 'deeply regretted' Trump's decision to once again withdraw from the international body. 'This decision contradicts the fundamental principles of multilateralism, and may affect first and foremost our many partners in the United States of America,' she said. Azoulay said that the announcement, although regrettable, was anticipated and added that UNESCO had prepared for it. The organisation had undertaken major structural reforms and diversified its funding sources since 2018, she added. 'UNESCO's overall budget has steadily increased,' she said, adding that the US now accounts for just 8% of its funding, compared to 40% for some other UN bodies. She added that the organisation is now better protected in financial terms due to support from other member states and private donors. The purpose of the international body is to welcome all the nations of the world, and the US is and will always be welcome, Azoulay said. 'We will continue to work hand in hand with all of our American partners in the private sector, academia and non-profit organisations, and will pursue political dialogue with the US administration and Congress,' her statement added.
Al-Ahram Weekly
a day ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
El-Sisi sends message to Burkina Faso's Traoré as Egypt deepens West Africa outreach - Foreign Affairs
Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty delivered a message from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to Burkina Faso's transitional leader, Ibrahim Traoré, during a visit to Ouagadougou on Tuesday, part of Egypt's broader push to expand its political and economic footprint across West Africa. The letter, according to Egypt's foreign ministry, reaffirmed Cairo's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting regional security, particularly in the face of mounting threats from armed groups in the Sahel. Abdelatty, who is on a multi-country tour of West Africa, emphasized Egypt's readiness to deepen investment in sectors ranging from construction and energy to agriculture and pharmaceuticals. He was accompanied by a delegation of 30 business leaders from major Egyptian firms. Egypt is also courting diplomatic backing. Abdelatty expressed appreciation for Burkina Faso's support of Egypt's candidate for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General, Khaled El-Enany, framing the nomination as a pan-African endeavour. Traoré praised Egypt's support for African states and pledged to facilitate Egyptian business activity in Burkina Faso. He also reaffirmed his country's support for El-Enany's candidacy. In security discussions, Abdelatty highlighted Egypt's 'comprehensive' counterterrorism strategy, which he said includes development and religious outreach alongside military measures. He offered Egyptian support in building Burkina Faso's national capacity, citing Al-Azhar's educational efforts and its scholarship programme for Burkinabe students. For his part, President Traoré conveyed his greetings and appreciation to President El-Sisi, praising Egypt's historic role in supporting African nations. Burkina Faso marks the second stop on Abdelatty's five-nation tour, which includes Nigeria, Niger, Mali, and Senegal. The tour follows Egypt's active role in the 47th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU) earlier this month and comes amid regional shifts in security and diplomacy as Western alliances in the Sahel retreat. There, Abdelatty held talks with African leaders and AU officials to strengthen political ties, enhance trade, and promote investment, particularly in energy, construction, healthcare, and infrastructure. He also pushed for stronger African coordination on regional challenges. Counterterrorism topped the agenda in his meeting with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah in Abuja, where Abdelatty called for a practical framework to deepen Egypt–ECOWAS cooperation against extremism. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
