Latest news with #internationalrelations
Zawya
an hour ago
- Politics
- Zawya
New Bangladeshi High-Commissioner Presents Credentials to President Ramkalawan
His Excellency Mr. Zokey Ahad, the newly appointed High Commissioner designate of the People's Republic of Bangladesh to the Republic of Seychelles, formally presented his letters of credence to President Wavel Ramkalawan during a ceremonial reception at State House this morning. President Ramkalawan extended his congratulations to High Commissioner Ahad upon his appointment, acknowledging the enduring diplomatic partnership between Seychelles and Bangladesh that has flourished and strengthened over four decades of sustained collaboration. On behalf of the Government and People of Seychelles, the Head of State conveyed the country's deepest condolences and solidarity to the People and Government of Bangladesh following the tragic plane crash. 'Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and all those affected during this difficult time. Seychelles stands with Bangladesh in this moment of sorrow.' His Excellency Ahad expressed profound honour and appreciation for his new diplomatic role, conveying the warm felicitations and best wishes of His Excellency Mohammed Shahabuddin, President of Bangladesh, to the Government and people of the Republic of Seychelles. Discussions between the two leaders centred on strengthening existing frameworks of cooperation across key strategic sectors, including agriculture, climate change mitigation, fisheries development, tourism, and marine security. Both dignitaries also explored innovative avenues for collaboration aimed at further enhancing the longstanding and robust bilateral partnership between the two island nations. Addressing members of the press following the accreditation ceremony, High Commissioner Ahad underscored the unwavering commitment of both governments to deepening and diversifying their bilateral relationship across multiple sectors of mutual strategic interest and benefit. The Republic of Seychelles and the People's Republic of Bangladesh established formal diplomatic relations in February 1983, marking over four decades of sustained cooperation, friendship, and mutual understanding. His Excellency Mr. Zokey Ahad succeeds his distinguished predecessor, Her Excellency Rezina Ahmed, and will conduct his diplomatic mission from the High Commission's regional headquarters in Port Louis, Mauritius. Present for the ceremony were the Minster for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr Sylvestre Radegonde, Director General Bilateral Affairs, Ms Lindy Ernesta and Second Secretary, Mr Davis Mathiot. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
Fast Company
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Fast Company
Trump quits another UN agency—this time it's UNESCO
BY In 2017, the Trump administration cut the United States's ties with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) completely for the first time since 1984. Then, the administration accused the international agency of holding anti-Israel bias for a multitude of reasons, including the naming of Hebron, as a ' Palestinian city ' and certified UNESCO site. Now, the administration has announced its second leave from UNESCO after the United States returned to the agency under the Biden administration in 2023. The reasons remain the same since the initial leave with White House spokesperson, Tammy Bruce citing that UNESCO's work advances 'divisive social and cultural causes' and that the agency's 'ideological agenda for international development is at odds with our America First foreign policy.' UNESCO's part in America The agency aims to 'promote cooperation' in areas including education, science, culture, and communication to 'foster peace worldwide.' According to UNESCO, their main focuses include: Promoting quality education and science Building fair and inclusive societies Protecting heritage and fostering creativity Supporting information literacy Empowering equality With 194 member states, including the United States as of current, It is also responsible for assigning World Heritage Sites, including America's 26 UNESCO-designated sites. Ranging from National Parks to the Statue of Liberty, these sites are protected as part of an international treaty, and are generally recognized as belonging to everyone versus one, sovereign state. 'Unwoke-ifying' education, science, and culture The White House's press release cites UNESCO's decision to recognize and admit the 'State of Palestine' as a member in 2011, as a major part of what they see as 'anti-Israel rhetoric'. In response to the Trump administration's claims, UNESCO released a statement saying that these claims widely 'contradict the reality of UNESCO's efforts, particularly in the field of Holocaust education and the fight against antisemitism.' In the statement, Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO says this news doesn't come as a shock as a 'shock', and that ultimately, they've been preparing for the U.S.'s expected leave. In February, Trump issued an executive order requiring the review of any organizations providing international support that received U.S. funding. This is the third official UN agency the U.S. has withdrawn from since Trump's second inauguration, including the World Health Organization in January and the Human Rights Counci l in February. Each one, with the administration attributing the cuts to efficiency concerns and anti-American, woke culture. The effect on cutting costs As of 2023, the U.S. promised to pay roughly $600 million in back dues', as prior to the first leave of the agency, the country contributed to roughly 22% of their funding. 'In recent years, we have undertaken major structural reforms and diversified our funding sources,' Azoulay said. 'Thanks to the efforts made by the Organization since 2018, the decreasing trend in the financial contribution of the US has been offset, so that it now represents 8% of the Organization's total budget compared to 40% for some United Nations entities; while at the same time, UNESCO's overall budget has steadily increased.' The agency says 'voluntary contributions' have doubled since 2018, and that ultimately, the decision to leave the agency will result in difficulties for American communities 'seeking site inscription on the World Heritage List, gaining Creative City status, and working with University Chairs program'. However, the Paris-based agency does not expect layoffs at this time, and says they will continue to work with private American partners including those in the academic and non-profit spaces. 'UNESCO's purpose is to welcome all the nations of the world,' Azoulay wrote. 'And the United States of America is and will always be welcome.' The super-early-rate deadline for Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Awards is this Friday, July 25, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today.
LBCI
14 hours ago
- Politics
- LBCI
UNESCO head says US withdrawal regrettable, but 'expected'
The head of the U.N. cultural agency UNESCO said on Tuesday that she regretted the U.S. decision to withdraw from the organization, but added that the move had come as no surprise. "I deeply regret President Donald Trump's decision once again to withdraw the United States of America from UNESCO," Director-General Audrey Azoulay said. "However regrettable, this announcement was expected, and UNESCO has prepared for it". AFP
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump withdraws US from ‘woke' UNESCO for second time
The United States will pull out of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization at President Donald Trump's request, the White House announced Tuesday. '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,' White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said in a statement. In February, Trump issued an executive order requiring Secretary of State Marco Rubio to review UNESCO and other international organizations which may 'promote radical or anti-American sentiment.' The announcement is the latest development of a tug-of-war between two rival administrations: The U.S. withdrew from UNESCO in 2019, citing concerns of anti-Israel bias during Trump's first term, but rejoined under President Joe Biden in 2023. UNESCO is the United Nations' cultural arm focused on 'strengthening our shared humanity.' The organization addresses global issues, like climate change and artificial intelligence, by conducting research and setting standards for member nations; it also oversees global heritage sites. Audrey Azoulay, director-general of UNESCO, said in a statement that she 'deeply regrets' the decision, which will take effect in December 2026. However, she said the announcement was 'anticipated' and the organization has prepared, leaving it 'better protected in financial terms.' 'The reasons put forward by the United States to withdraw from the Organization are the same as seven years ago even though the situation has changed profoundly, political tensions have receded, and UNESCO today constitutes a rare forum for consensus on concrete and action-oriented multilateralism,' Azoulay said. French President Emmanuel Macron offered his 'unwavering support' for UNESCO, calling the organization a 'universal guardian' for science and culture, among other things. 'The withdrawal of the United States will not weaken our commitment alongside those who lead this fight,' Macron wrote on X. But not all nations condemned the decision. Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar cheered Trump's latest withdrawal, thanking the U.S. for 'its moral support and leadership.' 'This is a necessary step, designed to promote justice and Israel's right for fair treatment in the UN system, a right which has often been trampled due to politicization in this arena,' Sa'ar said in an X post. Both the U.S. and Israel have accused UNESCO of taking an anti-Israel stance, as the organization has expressed 'deep concern' about the 'humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.' The organization has also come under fire for its 2023 publication of a racism and discrimination tool kit, which the Trump administration has railed against. 'Like many UN organizations, UNESCO strayed from its founding mission,' State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce wrote in a post on X. 'Going forward, U.S. participation in international organizations must make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.'
CNN
19 hours ago
- Politics
- CNN
US to withdraw from UN scientific and cultural agency UNESCO again, White House says
(CNN) — President Donald Trump is pulling the United States out of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO, a White House official told CNN. The move comes as the US president continues to pull the country out of international institutions and makes ending Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs a key focus of his administration. '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,' White House deputy spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement. In a statement, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce added the US' continued participation in UNESCO is not in its 'national interest.' The withdrawal will take effect on December 31, 2026. UNESCO 'promotes cooperation in education, science, culture and communication to foster peace worldwide,' its website states. The United States was a founding member of UNESCO in 1945 but withdrew in 1984, citing concerns over financial mismanagement and a perceived bias against US interests. Nearly two decades later, in 2003, the US rejoined the organization during President George W. Bush's administration, with Bush stating that UNESCO had implemented important reforms. The US again withdrew from UNESCO during the first Trump administration but rejoined under Biden. After he took office for the second time, President Donald Trump ordered a review of US participation, including 'an analysis of any anti-Semitism or anti-Israel sentiment within the organization.' Bruce alleged that '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.' 'UNESCO's decision to admit the 'State of Palestine' as a Member State is highly problematic, contrary to U.S. policy, and contributed to the proliferation of anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization,' she said. UNESCO is widely recognized for its designation of World Heritage Sites, including the Grand Canyon National Park in the US.
