Sure! Here’s the translation into American English:
The Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Audrey Azoulay, expressed her “deep sorrow” at the decision by the United States to withdraw from the agency, announced for the end of December 2026. This situation has also been lamented by the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, who emphasized the negative impact this decision could have on multilateral relations.
In a statement, Azoulay noted that UNESCO “has prepared for this,” highlighting the organization’s resilience in its mission. Despite this challenge, she assured that the agency remains steadfast in its course: “Reformed, stabilized, and supported by its members, it maintains its commitment,” she commented.
This withdrawal is not a new occurrence for the United States, which had previously left UNESCO in 1984 and then again in 2017, citing political reasons related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Azoulay warned that this decision could harm the agency’s American partners, particularly cities and communities seeking to have their sites included on the World Heritage List.
Despite the withdrawal, UNESCO has reduced its financial dependence on the United States. Previously, the U.S. contribution represented about 25% of the organization’s funds, whereas it now constitutes only 8%. Thanks to support from other member states and an increase in voluntary contributions, UNESCO’s overall budget has grown.
Far from experiencing a setback, UNESCO has intensified its initiatives, encompassing projects like the reconstruction of the ancient city of Mosul in Iraq and the promotion of education in countries such as Ukraine and Yemen. The agency has expanded its mandate, addressing critical areas with a renewed focus.
In a sensitive environment for the previous administration, UNESCO has strengthened its role in Holocaust remembrance, receiving support from various Jewish organizations and assisting 85 countries since 2018 in training educators and combating Holocaust denial and hate speech.
Despite the U.S. withdrawal, Azoulay assured that there are no plans for layoffs at UNESCO, nor is there an expectation of project paralysis. The organization will remain open to dialogue and invited the United States to reclaim its place in the agency, reaffirming its value in a context of political tensions.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
