U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated this past Friday that "member states of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) support the return of the United States to the organization after its withdrawal five years ago." Blinken said in a statement: "I feel encouraged and grateful that UNESCO members agreed today to our proposal, which will allow the United States to take formal steps toward full rejoining of the organization."
Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal from the organization in 2018, citing accusations of bias against Israel and mismanagement.
The U.S. State Department indicated in a letter dated June 8 that it intends to rejoin the organization in July as a fully-fledged member. The U.S. plans to pay off arrears of $619 million in installments over several years.
Israel also withdrew from the organization following Washington's exit.
The United States became able to return to UNESCO after Congress approved a waiver from the ban earlier this year. The waiver will remain in effect until the end of 2025.
