In response to the U.S.’s decision to withdraw from UNESCO, China has criticized Washington for neglecting its global responsibilities, highlighting the strained relations already complicated by tariffs. China firmly supports UNESCO and urges all countries to reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism. The U.S. cited concerns about perceived bias and a focus on policies it opposes, echoing previous withdrawals. The decision, set to take effect in December 2026, will impact the agency’s work in preserving cultural heritage, education, and science, drawing regret from UNESCO’s Director-General.
Read More
The United States, under President Trump, will withdraw from UNESCO, citing concerns about its alignment with “woke” and divisive causes, and its perceived bias against U.S. interests. This decision marks a continuation of the President’s pattern of exiting international institutions and focusing on ending Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs. State Department officials stated that continued US participation is not in its “national interest” and that the withdrawal will take effect on December 31, 2026. The move has been met with both support from Israel and criticism from French President Emmanuel Macron.
Read More
President Trump has made the decision to withdraw the U.S. from UNESCO, citing its support for “woke, divisive cultural and social causes” as the primary reason. This marks a reversal of the Biden administration’s 2021 decision to rejoin the organization after the U.S. had previously withdrawn during Trump’s first term. The withdrawal follows a 90-day review requested by Trump in February, which included a focus on potential anti-Semitism or anti-Israel sentiment within UNESCO. This move continues a pattern of the Trump administration distancing itself from global entities, including the World Health Organization.
Read More
Divers continue to search Halong Bay, Vietnam, after a sightseeing ship capsized in a squall on Saturday, with at least 34 bodies recovered and 11 rescued. The vessel, carrying 53 people, including tourists and crew, was caught in a storm and lost its GPS signal. Rescue efforts are hampered by heavy rain and limited visibility, as authorities utilize multiple boats and rescue craft. The search focuses on the cockpit and engine room of the ship, while a survivor details the desperation to locate missing family members, as the popular tourist destination, a UNESCO World Heritage site, sees many people in critical need of assistance.
Read More
Two British men, Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, have been sentenced to four years and three months in prison for felling the iconic Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland National Park. The men were convicted of criminal damage for destroying the tree and damaging Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The felling of the nearly 150-year-old tree, which gained fame from its picturesque setting and appearance in the film *Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves*, caused widespread outrage. Despite their denials and claims of being elsewhere, evidence including video footage and vehicle data implicated both men, leading to their conviction and sentencing.
Read More
A German tourist was arrested at Chichen Itza in Mexico for climbing the Temple of Kukulcan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, during the spring equinox. The act was met with immediate public outcry and the tourist was subsequently assaulted by bystanders while being apprehended by the National Guard. Climbing the pyramid is illegal due to previous damage and safety concerns, resulting in potential fines and imprisonment. This incident follows a similar event in Japan where a tourist defaced a historical site.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker