U.S. decides to rejoin UNESCO and pay back dues, to counter Chinese influence

The Biden administration has already requested $150 million for the 2024 budget to go toward UNESCO dues and arrears

The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) announced on June 12 that the United States planned to rejoin — and pay more than $600 million in back dues — after a decade-long dispute sparked by the organisation’s move to include Palestine as a member.

U.S. officials say the decision to return was motivated by the concern that China was filling the gap left by the U.S. in UNESCO policy-making, notably in setting standards for artificial intelligence and technology education around the world.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma submitted a letter last week to UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay formalising the U.S.’ plan to rejoin.

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Applause rang out in the solemn UNESCO auditorium as Ms. Azoulay announced the plan to ambassadors at a special meeting on June 12, and delegate after delegate stood up to welcome the news — and the new influx of money. The return of the U.S., once the agency’s biggest funder, is expected to face a vote by its 193 member states next month, according to a UNESCO diplomat.

The decision is a big financial boost to the UNESCO, known for its World Heritage program as well as projects to fight climate change and teach girls to read.

The U.S. and Israel stopped funding UNESCO after it voted to include Palestine as a member state in 2011, and both countries lost their voting rights in 2013. The Trump administration decided in 2017 to withdraw from the agency altogether the following year, citing anti-Israel bias and management problems.