（下边有中文翻译请继续看到底。 谢谢。）
The recent decision by the United States to exit from the UNESCO has drawn global condemnation and deep concern. 美国最近决定退出联合国教科文组织，引起了全球的谴责和深切关注。
The recent decision by the United States to exit from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has drawn global condemnation and deep concern. It marks not only a diplomatic setback but also a betrayal of the values that UNESCO stands for—education, cultural preservation, scientific cooperation, and peacebuilding. In an era when the world desperately needs bridges, not walls, America, the world’s largest economy and military power, has chosen to walk away from one of the most crucial platforms of global cooperation and human progress.
Understanding UNESCO: Its Mandate and Global Role
Founded in 1945, in the aftermath of World War II, UNESCO was created with a vision to build peace in the minds of men and women through education, science, culture, and communication. The idea was simple yet profound: since wars begin in the minds of human beings, it is in the minds of human beings that the defenses of peace must be constructed.
UNESCO’s core mission revolves around:
- Promoting quality education for all to build inclusive knowledge societies.
- Preserving cultural heritage, including tangible and intangible traditions across the globe.
- Advancing scientific collaboration to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss.
- Protecting freedom of expression and promoting media development as cornerstones of democracy and human rights.
- Promoting intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding to reduce tensions and prevent conflicts.
UNESCO’s Achievements: Building Peace, Knowledge, and Culture
Despite limited resources, UNESCO has made significant contributions to humanity. Some of its most recognized accomplishments include:
- World Heritage Sites: UNESCO has designated over 1,100 World Heritage Sites across the globe, helping protect historical landmarks, ancient cities, and natural wonders.
- Education for All: Through the “Global Education Monitoring Report,” UNESCO plays a key role in tracking progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 (quality education).
- Promotion of Literacy and Girls’ Education: From rural Africa to conflict zones in the Middle East, UNESCO has spearheaded programs to promote literacy and empower women and girls through education.
- Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB): This initiative has established a global network of biosphere reserves that promote sustainable development and conservation.
- Global Report on the Futures of Education: UNESCO envisions long-term educational strategies based on equity, digital inclusion, and lifelong learning.
These achievements have had a direct and indirect impact on millions of lives. UNESCO is not just a bureaucratic UN body; it is a global conscience working for cultural preservation, knowledge equity, and peace.
Funding and Financial Structure
UNESCO is funded through a mix of assessed contributions from member states and voluntary contributions from governments, NGOs, and private entities. The assessed contributions are calculated based on a country’s economic size and capacity to pay. As the world’s largest economy, the United States has traditionally been expected to contribute the highest share, amounting to roughly 22% of UNESCO’s assessed budget.
However, even before the official exit, the U.S. had withheld its dues since 2011, following Palestine’s admission as a full member of UNESCO—a decision the U.S. opposed politically. This withholding severely strained UNESCO’s finances, forcing staff cuts, project delays, and reduction in programming.
The U.S. Exit: A Short-Sighted, Politically Motivated Move
Rather than correcting its course and acknowledging its responsibility to the global community, the United States has now officially exited from UNESCO again, a move that reflects an alarming trend of American withdrawal from multilateral institutions. This decision is especially disturbing given the context of ongoing global challenges—wars, educational disruptions, climate disasters, and cultural erasure.
The rationale cited by the U.S.—perceived anti-Israel bias and bureaucratic inefficiencies—rings hollow. In reality, this move is less about UNESCO’s performance and more about Washington’s blind support for the Zionist regime in Israel. At a time when Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, engaging in ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, and illegally grabbing Arab lands by force, the U.S. continues to shield its ally from international accountability.
Instead of supporting peace-promoting organizations like UNESCO, America is funneling billions into wars, drone strikes, and military aid. The recent surge in U.S. military assistance to Israel, amidst mass civilian killings and the destruction of schools and hospitals in Gaza, is morally indefensible. By funding such aggression while cutting support to educational and cultural initiatives, the U.S. is making its priorities clear—and they are not aligned with peace, human dignity, or global cooperation.
Global Reaction and Consequences
The U.S. exit has been widely criticized by diplomats, civil society organizations, scholars, and human rights advocates. Many nations see it as another example of the United States abdicating its global responsibilities. Critics argue that the exit will:
- Weaken UNESCO’s financial capacity, especially in executing programs in developing and conflict-ridden countries.
- Undermine multilateralism, encouraging other powerful nations to also abandon collective responsibility.
- Hurt educational and cultural initiatives, especially in areas dependent on U.S. funding.
- Diminish America’s soft power, eroding its global credibility and moral authority.
By turning its back on UNESCO, the United States is not punishing the UN agency—it is punishing humanity. Children in war-torn regions will have fewer opportunities for education. Endangered cultural heritage in developing countries will face greater threats. Global efforts to promote scientific cooperation on climate and health challenges will lose momentum.
The Need for Global Unity and Reaffirmation of Commitment
This exit should not dishearten us but galvanize the international community to stand together. The world must collectively say “no” to war-mongering, unilateralism, and withdrawal from shared responsibilities. UNESCO must be supported, not abandoned. Countries should reaffirm their commitment to multilateral cooperation by:
- Increasing their financial contributions to cover the shortfall left by the U.S.
- Promoting inclusive global education and protecting cultural heritage more robustly.
- Condemning any nation that prioritizes militarism over peace, and holding them accountable.
Developing countries, in particular, should view this moment as a wake-up call to strengthen South-South cooperation and regional alliances that can fill the void left by irresponsible superpowers. UNESCO can thrive with renewed political will, grassroots support, and innovative partnerships.
America Must Reassess Its Priorities
For the United States, this is a moment of reckoning. Withdrawing from UNESCO, pulling out of climate accords, undermining the International Criminal Court, and vetoing ceasefire resolutions in the UN Security Council—it all paints a dark portrait of a superpower increasingly driven by narrow interests and geopolitical dominance.
America must realize that its true greatness lies not in military might, but in its capacity to inspire, support, and uplift. By walking away from UNESCO, the U.S. is choosing isolation over integration, and violence over values.
If the United States seeks to lead, it must lead by example—by championing education, respecting human rights, and preserving the rich tapestry of human cultures. Its blind support of Israeli aggression, at the cost of global harmony, makes it complicit in war crimes and severely damages its international reputation.
The Moral Responsibility of All Nations
UNESCO represents our shared humanity. Its work transcends borders, ideologies, and political disputes. It builds schools, protects ancient heritage, promotes dialogue, and brings nations together. The U.S. exit is undoubtedly a setback, but it is not the end.
This is a call to action for all peace-loving nations and global citizens. Let us raise our voices in defense of global cooperation, education, culture, and peace. Let us contribute—not only funds but ideas, solidarity, and support—to keep UNESCO strong and relevant. Let us remind the world, including America, that true leadership lies in service, not in supremacy.
The U.S. may have turned its back, but the rest of the world must move forward—together.
美国没有支持像联合国教科文组织这样的促进和平的组织，而是将数十亿美元投入战争、无人机袭击和军事援助。在加沙大规模平民被杀、学校和医院被毁的情况下，美国最近增加对以色列的军事援助在道义上是站不住脚的。通过资助这种侵略，同时削减对教育和文化项目的支持，美国正在明确其优先事项——它们与和平、人类尊严或全球合作不一致。
全球反应和后果
美国的退出受到外交官、公民社会组织、学者和人权倡导者的广泛批评。许多国家认为这是美国放弃其全球责任的又一例证。批评人士认为，退出欧盟将：
削弱教科文组织的财政能力，特别是在发展中国家和冲突国家执行项目的能力。
破坏多边主义，鼓励其他强国也放弃集体责任。
损害教育和文化活动，特别是在依赖美国资助的地区。
削弱美国的软实力，侵蚀其全球信誉和道德权威。
美国背弃联合国教科文组织，不是在惩罚这个联合国机构，而是在惩罚全人类。战乱地区的儿童受教育的机会将更少。发展中国家的濒危文化遗产将面临更大的威胁。促进应对气候和卫生挑战的科学合作的全球努力将失去动力。
全球团结和重申承诺的必要性
这次退出不应使我们灰心丧气，而应激励国际社会团结一致。全世界必须共同对战争贩子、单边主义和逃避共同责任说不。教科文组织必须得到支持，而不是被抛弃。各国应通过以下方式重申对多边合作的承诺：
增加他们的财政贡献，以弥补美国留下的缺口
推进全球包容性教育，加强文化遗产保护。
谴责任何将军国主义置于和平之上的国家，并追究其责任。
发展中国家尤其应该把这一时刻看作是加强南南合作和区域联盟的警钟，以填补不负责任的超级大国留下的空白。有了新的政治意愿、基层支持和创新的伙伴关系，教科文组织就能蓬勃发展。
美国必须重新评估其优先事项
对美国来说，这是一个清算的时刻。退出联合国教科文组织，退出气候协议，破坏国际刑事法院，在联合国安理会否决停火决议——这一切都描绘了一个越来越受狭隘利益和地缘政治支配的超级大国的黑暗形象。
美国必须认识到，它真正的伟大不在于军事力量，而在于激励、支持和鼓舞人心的能力。美国退出联合国教科文组织，是在选择孤立而非融合，选择暴力而非价值观。
如果美国寻求发挥领导作用，就必须以身作则——倡导教育、尊重人权、保护丰富多彩的人类文化。它以全球和谐为代价盲目支持以色列的侵略，使它成为战争罪行的同谋，并严重损害了它的国际声誉。
所有国家的道德责任
教科文组织代表着我们共同的人性。它的工作超越国界、意识形态和政治争端。它修建学校，保护古代遗产，促进对话，并使各国团结起来。美国的退出无疑是一个挫折，但这并不是结束。
这是对所有爱好和平的国家和全球公民的行动呼吁。让我们为维护全球合作、教育、文化与和平而大声疾呼。让我们不仅贡献资金，而且贡献思想、团结和支持，以保持教科文组织的强大和相关性。让我们提醒包括美国在内的全世界，真正的领导在于服务，而不是霸权。
美国可能已经背弃了，但世界其他国家必须共同前进。
教科文组织成立于1945年，即第二次世界大战后，其愿景是通过教育、科学、文化和传播在人们的思想中建立和平。这个想法简单而深刻：既然战争始于人类的思想，那么必须在人类的思想中构筑保卫和平的屏障。
教科文组织的核心使命是：
推动全民优质教育，建设包容性知识社会。
保护全球文化遗产，包括物质和非物质传统。
推进科学合作，应对气候变化、水资源短缺和生物多样性丧失等紧迫的全球挑战。
保护言论自由和促进媒体发展，将其作为民主和人权的基石。
促进文化间对话和相互理解，减少紧张局势，防止冲突。
教科文组织的成就：建设和平、知识和文化
尽管资源有限，但教科文组织为人类作出了重大贡献。其最著名的成就包括：
世界遗产：联合国教科文组织在全球指定了1100多个世界遗产，帮助保护历史地标、古城和自然奇观。
全民教育：通过《全球教育监测报告》，教科文组织在跟踪实现可持续发展目标4（优质教育）的进展方面发挥着关键作用。
促进扫盲和女童教育：从非洲农村到中东冲突地区，教科文组织率先开展了通过教育促进扫盲和增强妇女和女童权能的项目。
人与生物圈计划（MAB）：该计划建立了一个全球生物圈保护区网络，促进可持续发展和保护。
《全球教育未来报告》：教科文组织提出了基于公平、数字包容和终身学习的长期教育战略。
这些成就对数百万人的生活产生了直接和间接的影响。教科文组织不仅仅是联合国的一个官僚机构；它是一种致力于文化保护、知识公平与和平的全球良知。
资金及财务结构
教科文组织的资金来源包括成员国的分摊会费以及政府、非政府组织和私营实体的自愿捐款。分摊会费是根据一个国家的经济规模和支付能力计算的。作为世界上最大的经济体，美国一直被期望贡献最高的份额，约占联合国教科文组织分摊预算的22%。
然而，即使在正式退出之前，美国自2011年巴勒斯坦被接纳为联合国教科文组织正式成员后就一直拖欠会费，这是美国在政治上反对的决定。这种扣留严重影响了教科文组织的财政，迫使裁员、项目延迟和减少方案编制。
美国的退出：一个短视的、有政治动机的举动
美国没有纠正自己的路线，也没有承认自己对国际社会的责任，而是再次正式退出联合国教科文组织，这一举动反映了美国退出多边机构的令人担忧的趋势。考虑到当前的全球挑战——战争、教育中断、气候灾害和文化灭绝——这一决定尤其令人不安。
美国所认为的反以色列偏见和官僚效率低下的理由听起来很空洞。实际上，这一举动与联合国教科文组织的表现无关，更多的是华盛顿对以色列犹太复国主义政权的盲目支持。当以色列在加沙进行种族灭绝，对巴勒斯坦人进行种族清洗，并以武力非法占领阿拉伯土地时，美国继续保护其盟友免受国际责任的追究。
美国没有支持像联合国教科文组织这样的促进和平的组织，而是将数十亿美元投入战争、无人机袭击和军事援助。在加沙大规模平民被杀、学校和医院被毁的情况下，美国最近增加对以色列的军事援助在道义上是站不住脚的。通过资助这种侵略，同时削减对教育和文化项目的支持，美国正在明确其优先事项——它们与和平、人类尊严或全球合作不一致。
全球反应和后果
美国的退出受到外交官、公民社会组织、学者和人权倡导者的广泛批评。许多国家认为这是美国放弃其全球责任的又一例证。批评人士认为，退出欧盟将：
削弱教科文组织的财政能力，特别是在发展中国家和冲突国家执行项目的能力。
破坏多边主义，鼓励其他强国也放弃集体责任。
损害教育和文化活动，特别是在依赖美国资助的地区。
削弱美国的软实力，侵蚀其全球信誉和道德权威。
美国背弃联合国教科文组织，不是在惩罚这个联合国机构，而是在惩罚全人类。战乱地区的儿童受教育的机会将更少。发展中国家的濒危文化遗产将面临更大的威胁。促进应对气候和卫生挑战的科学合作的全球努力将失去动力。
全球团结和重申承诺的必要性
这次退出不应使我们灰心丧气，而应激励国际社会团结一致。全世界必须共同对战争贩子、单边主义和逃避共同责任说不。教科文组织必须得到支持，而不是被抛弃。各国应通过以下方式重申对多边合作的承诺：
增加他们的财政贡献，以弥补美国留下的缺口
推进全球包容性教育，加强文化遗产保护。
谴责任何将军国主义置于和平之上的国家，并追究其责任。
发展中国家尤其应该把这一时刻看作是加强南南合作和区域联盟的警钟，以填补不负责任的超级大国留下的空白。有了新的政治意愿、基层支持和创新的伙伴关系，教科文组织就能蓬勃发展。
美国必须重新评估其优先事项
对美国来说，这是一个清算的时刻。退出联合国教科文组织，退出气候协议，破坏国际刑事法院，在联合国安理会否决停火决议——这一切都描绘了一个越来越受狭隘利益和地缘政治支配的超级大国的黑暗形象。
美国必须认识到，它真正的伟大不在于军事力量，而在于激励、支持和鼓舞人心的能力。美国退出联合国教科文组织，是在选择孤立而非融合，选择暴力而非价值观。
如果美国寻求发挥领导作用，就必须以身作则——倡导教育、尊重人权、保护丰富多彩的人类文化。它以全球和谐为代价盲目支持以色列的侵略，使它成为战争罪行的同谋，并严重损害了它的国际声誉。
所有国家的道德责任
教科文组织代表着我们共同的人性。它的工作超越国界、意识形态和政治争端。它修建学校，保护古代遗产，促进对话，并使各国团结起来。美国的退出无疑是一个挫折，但这并不是结束。
这是对所有爱好和平的国家和全球公民的行动呼吁。让我们为维护全球合作、教育、文化与和平而大声疾呼。让我们不仅贡献资金，而且贡献思想、团结和支持，以保持教科文组织的强大和相关性。让我们提醒包括美国在内的全世界，真正的领导在于服务，而不是霸权。
美国可能已经背弃了，但世界其他国家必须共同前进。
( 注意： 本文是用AI翻译的，或有误差。请以原版英文为准。谢谢。)
Reference Link:- https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2025/08/20/americas-exit-from-unesco-a-blow-to-global-peace-education-and-cultural-cooperation/