The U.N. cultural and scientific agency UNESCO has announced that the United States plans to rejoin — and pay more than $600 million in back dues — after a decade-long dispute sparked by the organization’s move to include Palestine as a member. U.S. officials say the decision was motivated by concern that China is filling the gap in UNESCO policymaking. The U.S. government has presented a plan for paying the arrears in order to rejoin. UNESCO’s director informed ambassadors of the U.S. decision in a special meeting Monday. The U.S. was once the agency’s biggest funder. Its official return is expected to face a vote by UNESCO’s 193 member states next month.
  • Rogue_General@lemmy.world
    6·
    1 year ago

    One of the best things to come out of the UN, so glad we’re back in.

    “The U.N. cultural and scientific agency UNESCO has announced that the United States plans to rejoin — and pay more than $600 million in back dues — after a decade-long dispute sparked by the organization’s move to include Palestine as a member.”

    What a childish reason to leave in the first place. Free Palestine.

  • Kempeth@feddit.de
    4·
    1 year ago

    Ah yes. I faintly remember that ridiculous tantrum. Good on UNESCO for standing their ground.

  • Em Adespoton
    1·
    1 year ago

    That vote will be really interesting, to see how large China’s influence has already grown.