Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’.

The UN Educational, Scientific, Cultural Organisation was founded in 1945 and is a catalyst for far-reaching and important environmental and sustainable development initiatives.

Too much Politics in UNESCO:

● The US has long used UNESCO as a stage for political gestures. However, the recent major issue which made the US leave the UNESCO was when UNESCO designated the old city of Hebron in the West Bank, with its Tomb of the Patriarchs, a Palestinian World Heritage site.

● According to the US when UNESCO voted to recognize the Palestinians as full members, it undermined an important U.S. policy goal. 

● Israel has regularly complained over resolutions about cultural sites in the West Bank and Jerusalem, arguing that they are worded to delegitimize Israel.

US announcement to withdraw from this cultural body has once again highlighted the politicisation of its activities and limitation of funds:

● The absence of U.S. funding makes it increasingly difficult to meet the challenges that are so vital to the lives and livelihoods of millions of people.

● The U.S. has played an important role in many Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) programs critical to ocean health and wellbeing of coastal communities.

● Without U.S. money, UNESCO, which employs around 2,000 people worldwide, has been forced to cut programs, freeze hiring and fill gaps with voluntary contributions. Its 2017 budget was about $326 million, almost half its 2012 budget.

● The number of permanent science positions has decreased, while less funding has meant a sharp refocusing of the Organisation’s work. For example, UNESCO’s Basic Sciences efforts were severely impacted, and the organisation is no longer directly involved in earth observation and remote sensing projects, with few exceptions.

The fact is that UNESCO was all about solidarity and creating a climate for peace between countries, but nations now use their dues/funds to influence programmes. All the members of UNESCO should come together for grassroots reforms and efforts to depoliticize the institution.