Daily Current Affairs : 26-July-2023

Recently, the U.S. First Lady, Jill Biden, attended a flag-raising ceremony at UNESCO in Paris, symbolizing the USA’s official re-entry into the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This marks a significant moment in international relations and reflects the U.S.’s renewed commitment to fostering global cooperation and supporting initiatives related to education, science, culture, and heritage preservation.

Background: The U.S. Withdrawal and Return

The U.S. initially withdrew from UNESCO in 2017, citing concerns over an alleged anti-Israel bias within the organization. This decision was prompted by UNESCO’s move in 2011 to include Palestine as a member state, leading both the U.S. and Israel to stop funding the agency. The formal withdrawal took place in 2018, making it the second time the U.S. exited the organization. The first exit occurred in 1984 under the Reagan administration, citing issues of mismanagement, corruption, and perceived promotion of Soviet interests. The U.S. rejoined UNESCO in 2003 during George W. Bush’s presidency.

Financial Implications: U.S. Contributions to UNESCO

Before its withdrawal, the United States was the largest financial contributor to UNESCO, accounting for 22% of the agency’s overall funding. To facilitate its re-entry and settle outstanding dues and arrears, the U.S. has requested $150 million for the 2024 budget, with plans for similar requests in subsequent years until the total debt of $619 million is paid off. This highlights the substantial financial role the U.S. played in the organization before its departure, underscoring the significance of its renewed commitment.

Reasons for U.S. Re-Entry

The U.S.’s decision to return to UNESCO is primarily driven by concerns about China’s growing leadership role in international institutions. During the U.S. absence, China had seized the opportunity to increase its influence, particularly in shaping rules and policies related to artificial intelligence and technological advancements. By rejoining UNESCO, the U.S. aims to reclaim its position in shaping global initiatives and countering China’s increasing influence in critical areas.

The Role of UNESCO in Global Cooperation

UNESCO, founded in 1945 as a specialized agency of the United Nations, plays a vital role in promoting international collaboration in various domains. With 195 members and 8 associate members, including India as a founding member, UNESCO’s objectives encompass a range of critical areas:

  1. Attaining Quality Education for All: UNESCO strives to ensure inclusive and quality education for everyone, promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
  2. Mobilizing Science Knowledge for Sustainable Development: The organization leverages scientific knowledge and policy to address pressing global challenges related to sustainability.
  3. Addressing Social and Ethical Challenges: UNESCO is dedicated to tackling emerging social and ethical issues, fostering understanding and cooperation among nations.
  4. Fostering Cultural Diversity and Peace: Through intercultural dialogue, UNESCO promotes cultural diversity and peaceful coexistence among different communities.
  5. Building Inclusive Knowledge Societies: The organization emphasizes the importance of information and communication in creating inclusive and knowledge-based societies.
World Heritage Program and Cultural Preservation

One of UNESCO’s most renowned initiatives is the World Heritage program. The program seeks to identify, protect, and preserve cultural and natural heritage sites deemed to be of exceptional value to humanity. In 1972, UNESCO adopted the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, which emphasizes the interconnectedness between nature conservation and cultural preservation.

Important Points:

  • U.S. First Lady Jill Biden attended a flag-raising ceremony at UNESCO in Paris, signifying USA’s re-entry into the organization.
  • The U.S. withdrew from UNESCO in 2017 due to alleged anti-Israel bias and returned in 2018 after an absence that lasted since 2011.
  • This was the second time the U.S. rejoined UNESCO, with the first exit occurring in 1984 and rejoining in 2003.
  • The U.S. was the largest funder of UNESCO before its withdrawal, contributing 22% of the agency’s funding.
  • To re-enter UNESCO, the U.S. requested $150 million for the 2024 budget to settle dues and arrears, amounting to a total debt of $619 million.
  • China’s growing influence in international institutions was a significant reason for the U.S. rejoining UNESCO.
  • UNESCO’s objectives include promoting quality education for all, sustainable development through science, addressing social and ethical challenges, fostering cultural diversity and peace, and building inclusive knowledge societies.
  • UNESCO’s World Heritage program aims to identify, protect, and preserve cultural and natural heritage sites deemed of exceptional value to humanity.
  • The Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted in 1972, emphasizes the connection between nature conservation and cultural preservation.
Why In News

U.S. First Lady Jill Biden, exuding grace and diplomacy, graced the UNESCO flag-raising ceremony in Paris, symbolizing the USA’s triumphant return to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) fold. Her presence further emphasized the nation’s commitment to global cooperation and the preservation of cultural heritage and knowledge.

MCQs about U.S. Rejoins UNESCO

  1. What prompted the U.S. to withdraw from UNESCO in 2017?
    A. An alleged anti-China bias
    B. An alleged anti-Russia bias
    C. An alleged anti-Israel bias
    D. An alleged anti-India bias
    Correct Answer: C. An alleged anti-Israel bias
    Explanation: The U.S. withdrew from UNESCO in 2017 citing concerns over an alleged anti-Israel bias within the organization, which arose due to UNESCO’s move in 2011 to include Palestine as a member state.
  2. What is the main reason for the U.S. decision to return to UNESCO?
    A. To counter China’s growing influence in international institutions
    B. To promote artificial intelligence research
    C. To support European countries’ initiatives
    D. To lead global climate change efforts
    Correct Answer: A. To counter China’s growing influence in international institutions
    Explanation: The U.S. decision to rejoin UNESCO was mainly driven by concerns about China’s increasing leadership role in international institutions, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence and technological advancements.
  3. What is the objective of UNESCO’s World Heritage program?
    A. To encourage space exploration projects
    B. To promote cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue
    C. To conduct research on climate change
    D. To develop advanced technologies for sustainable agriculture
    Correct Answer: B. To promote cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue
    Explanation: UNESCO’s World Heritage program seeks to encourage the identification, protection, and preservation of cultural and natural heritage sites around the world that are considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. Its main objective is to promote cultural diversity, foster intercultural dialogue, and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage for future generations.

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