Today, Audrey Azoulay, the director-general of UNESCO, met with representatives of the 193 member states of the organization to advise them that the United States had formally informed her of its decision to rejoin UNESCO in July 2023 on the basis of a clear financial strategy.

In fact, the U.S. Department of State applauded UNESCO’s recent efforts to handle new issues, modernize its management, and ease political tensions in a letter to the Director-General.

Audrey Azoulay, who was chosen to lead UNESCO in November 2017, oversaw the mediations that helped to ease political tensions and reach an agreement on the most delicate subjects, such as the Middle East.

New initiatives have been started that allow UNESCO to fully address modern issues like the morality of artificial intelligence or ocean protection, while iconic new field campaigns like the reconstruction of Mosul, Iraq, have allowed the Organisation to reaffirm its historical goals. Last but not least, since 2018 there have been administrative improvements that have improved UNESCO’s efficiency and financial stability.

The decision by Congress to authorize financial payments to UNESCO in December 2022 makes it possible for the United States to return. Due to domestic legislation, the United States had already stopped making contributions in 2011 before notifying UNESCO on October 12 of its decision to formally withdraw.

The suggested finance scheme must now be presented for approval at the General Conference of UNESCO Member States. In order to make a decision, several Member States have asked that an urgent special session be called.