Answer:

Introduction:

UNESCO was established in 1945 with the strong conviction that political and economic alliances alone could not be relied upon to foster global peace, especially after two devastating world wars in a span of one generation.

Body:

• The US has accused UNESCO of having an “anti-Israel bias,” which it claims led to the US withdrawal from the cultural body.
• The accusation dates back to 2011 when UNESCO voted to admit Palestine as a full member state, and the US responded by halting payment of its annual $80 million in dues.
• Israel has also complained regularly about resolutions on cultural sites in the West Bank and Jerusalem, arguing that they are worded to delegitimize the Jewish state.
• Israel’s opponents argue that it uses US support to deflect bona fide criticism.
• The politicization of UNESCO’s activities and the limitation of its funds are not new issues. The organization has been facing a financing crisis since 2011.
• Without US money, UNESCO has been forced to cut programs, freeze hiring, and fill gaps with voluntary contributions. Its 2017 budget was about $326 million, almost half its 2012 budget.
• Major contributors such as Japan, Britain, and Brazil have also delayed funds, sometimes citing objections to the body’s policies.

Conclusion:

The preservation of shared human heritage requires the concerted effort of all countries, and politics must not impede this process. UNESCO needs to focus on its mandate of promoting education, culture, and science to foster mutual understanding and cooperation among nations. It must work towards reducing political interference in its activities and finding alternative sources of funding to continue its crucial work in building a more peaceful and sustainable world.

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