The United States is withdrawing from UNESCO, the United Nation’s cultural and educational agency, effective 31 December, the US state separtment said in a statement on Thursday.

“This decision was not taken lightly, and reflects US concerns with mounting arrears at UNESCO, the need for fundamental reform in the organization, and continuing anti-Israel bias at UNESCO,” the department said, adding that the United States would seek to “remain engaged … as a non-member observer state in order to contribute US views, perspectives and expertise.”

Source: theguardian.com