00:00UN officials express regret over the U.S. decision to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, otherwise known as UNESCO.
00:10This is after Washington announces it will leave the U.N. Cultural Agency by the end of 2026, just two years after rejoining.
00:18The U.S. State Department said the exit was due to UNESCO's push for what it called woke, divisive and cultural agendas.
00:26It cited UNESCO's decision to admit Palestine as a member state, calling it contrary to U.S. policy and promotes anti-Israel rhetoric.
00:35UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay said she regretted the move, but it was expected, and that the agency had prepared.
00:42She noted the withdrawal would have limited impact on U.S.-funded programs, adding that the agency received only 8% of its budget from Washington after having diversified funding resources.
00:53This marks the third U.S. withdrawal from UNESCO, and the second under President Donald Trump.
00:59UNESCO is best known for designating World Heritage Sites, with 26 listed in the U.S., including the Grand Canyon and the Statue of Liberty.
01:07UNESCO's
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