Unesco

Floor Speech

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Mr. WELCH. Mr. President, of all the uninformed, ill-conceived, and self-inflicted errors of this administration, the just-announced decision to withdraw from UNESCO stands out.

The justification given by the State Department spokeswoman was a recitation of outdated, vague, and inaccurate criticisms of an organization that has seen dramatic reforms over the past 7 years under the outstanding leadership of Director General Audrey Azoulay. Since her initial appointment in 2017, Director General Azoulay has made numerous trips to Washington to meet with leaders in the Congress and the administration. I have heard consistently positive reactions to her leadership of UNESCO by Republicans and Democrats alike, including regarding UNESCO's efforts to address anti-semitism.

Given Director General Azoulay's success in focusing UNESCO on its mission of promoting international cooperation and peace in a manner consistent with democratic values and human rights and dignity, one can only conclude that the administration officials behind this short- sighted decision never bothered to do their homework--or they were guided purely by Project 2025's mindless opposition to multilateralism, regardless of the facts. As far as I am aware, they did not bother to consult anyone in Congress, including those who have regularly engaged with Director General Azoulay and her professional staff.

Most Republicans and Democrats have long recognized that it is far better for the United States to be in the room, rather than remain outside and cede our influence to those who don't share our interests or values. The Chinese Government is looking for any opportunity to expand its influence in the United Nations, and UNESCO is no exception. We rejoined UNESCO in 2023 after a 5-year absence, and now, we are withdrawing again. It sends a terrible message that the United States can no longer be counted on. It is a message the Chinese will applaud.

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