Context:

Recently, the United States announced that it will be rejoining the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):

• Establishment: In 1942, during the Second World War, the governments of the European countries, which were confronting Germany and its allies, met in the United Kingdom for the Conference of Allied Ministers of Education (CAME), which resulted in the foundation of UNESCO on 16 November 1945.
• It is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN), which seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture.
• Members: UNESCO has 195 Members and 8 Associate Members and is governed by the General Conference and the Executive Board.
• Headquarter: Paris.
• Missions & Activities: Its programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in the 2030 Agenda, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.
  • UNESCO works to create the conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared values.
  • It is through this dialogue that the world can achieve global visions of sustainable development encompassing observance of human rights, mutual respect and the alleviation of poverty, all of which are at the heart of UNESCO’s mission and activities.

What made the US leave UNESCO?

• In 1984, the Reagan administration withdrew from UNESCO for, “advancing Soviet interests”. 
• In 2011, UNESCO inducted Palestine as a member. This led to the US halting the agency’s funding, worth millions of dollars, under then President Barack Obama.
• For historical ties with Israel, as Israel highlighted UNESCO’s criticism of Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem and the recognition of ancient Jewish sites as Palestinian heritage sites. The US ceased funding UNESCO, leading to a significant accumulation of unpaid dues.
• In 2017, the Trump administration withdrew from the organization after the Obama administration ceased funding, in 2011. 

Reasons for US Re-Entry:

• To Counter China’s Increasing Influence: The senior U.S. administration officials stated that the U.S.’s absence had helped China gain “more influence” in setting the rules around artificial intelligence and the ensuing technological shifts. 
• Edge in AI Technology: With AI, China, along with a rising repertoire of patents and research publications, has the advantages of a much larger population and a more powerful surveillance state. The US wants to take over this edge in AI.
• Global Leadership: Re-entry means re-funding, which would help in driving global agendas and to maintain its leadership.
• Multilateral Engagement: After US withdrawal from funding the UNESCO, World Health Organization and from the Paris Agreement, the re-entry is an opportunity for engagement with various countries.
• UNESCO’s Steps for Climate Change: The US has welcomed UNESCO’s efforts in addressing challenges, improving management, and reducing political tensions in recent years.

Conclusion:

• It is high time that the organizations get stricter on countries exiting and entering on frivolous grounds, alongside framing policies and research that accommodate the tussles of a hyper-connected world.

News Source: The Hindu