WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on President Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):
“The Trump Administration’s decision to withdraw the United States from the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is short-sighted and a win for China. UNESCO works on critical issues from combatting anti-Semitism—the only UN agency with this specific mandate—to identifying and maintaining World Heritage Sites. In the United States alone, there are 26 World Heritage Sites across 21 states that boost local economies and celebrate iconic places like the Statue of Liberty, the Everglades and the Grand Canyon.
“As I highlighted in the recently released Committee minority report, The Price of Retreat, when President Trump withdrew the United States from UNESCO during his first term, we saw what happened: China became the largest financial contributor, increased its staff at the agency and advanced its Belt and Road Initiative. Since rejoining in 2023—based on bipartisan support in Congress—the United States has been able to counter China’s influence, including by redirecting UNESCO’s digital learning programming away from Chinese control. By being a member of UNESCO, the United States worked to shape global rules on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence in line with U.S. values and American business interests, advanced Holocaust education, protected Ukrainian cultural heritage and expanded access to STEM education for women and girls in Africa.
“A U.S. withdrawal from UNESCO paves the way for China to advance global tech and AI standards that benefit Chinese companies and products. Not having a seat at the table will come at a cost to American companies and the American people.”
Under President Biden, the U.S. rejoined UNESCO in 2023 with strong bipartisan backing in Congress not only to support the agency’s mission, but to also push back against growing Chinese influence. During the years the U.S. was absent, China filled the leadership vacuum by expanding its financial contributions, staffing presence and policy influence within the agency—particularly in global education and technology governance. UNESCO plays a central role in setting international standards on artificial intelligence, promoting press freedom and combatting hate speech and Holocaust denial. U.S. participation has ensured that these efforts reflect democratic values and support American interests.
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