U.S. President Donald J. Trump signed a presidential memorandum on Wednesday ordering the United States’ withdrawal from 66 international organizations, conventions and multilateral treaties it deems contrary to national interests.
According to the White House, this decision ends American participation and funding of 31 UN-related entities and 35 non-UN-affiliated organizations. The stated objective is to refocus American resources and diplomacy on national priorities.
Among the most notable withdrawals are the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the IPCC (IPCC), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UN Women, central entities in the areas of climate, reproductive health and gender equality. The United States is also leaving UNESCO, UN-Habitat and UNCTAD, key forums for international cooperation on education, housing and trade.
Agencies specializing in renewable energy
Other relevant organizations include agencies specializing in renewable energy, security, migration and environmental protection, such as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the International Solar Alliance, the Global Counterterrorism Forum and the Global Forum on Migration and Development.
The Trump administration justifies these withdrawals by the desire to protect national sovereignty and to stop funding organizations deemed ineffective or contrary to American interests. Critics denounce a weakening of international cooperation and a risk of loss of influence of the United States on global issues such as climate, biodiversity or security.
The withdrawal of these 66 organizations constitutes one of the most significant revisions of American multilateral engagement in several decades and could reshape diplomacy and international cooperation on many issues.
Also read:
