The First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden, graced a flag-raising ceremony at UNESCO in Paris on Tuesday, symbolizing the country’s official return to the U.N. agency after a contentious five-year absence.
Against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, the American flag was hoisted outside UNESCO’s headquarters amidst enthusiastic applause and a rendition of the national anthem. Prior to the raising of the flag, Biden delivered a speech highlighting the importance of American leadership in preserving cultural heritage and promoting education and science worldwide.
“Today, it is my honor to join you as we raise the flag of the United States, representing our commitment to global collaboration and peace,” remarked Biden. She emphasized that this decision reflects President Joe Biden’s commitment to “restoring our leadership on the world stage.”
“We are immensely proud to rejoin UNESCO,” she proclaimed, acknowledging her personal bias as a teacher.
The United States formally announced its intention to rejoin UNESCO in June, and earlier this month, the organization’s 193 member states voted to approve its reentry. Through this ceremony, which featured a speech by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, the U.S. officially became the 194th member and proudly displayed its flag at the agency.
Azoulay remarked, “We are putting ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ back where it belongs.” She also stated, “In a time of divisions, conflicts, and existential threats, we reaffirm our unity today. Together, we will be stronger.”
“The return of the United States holds great significance beyond UNESCO,” Azoulay added.
Azoulay stressed the importance of this move for multilateralism and universality. In her speech, she cited the ongoing war in Ukraine, asserting that UNESCO’s initiatives throughout the world will be strengthened by the U.S.’s reintegration.
Forest Whitaker, the American actor and UNESCO’s special envoy, also delivered a speech praising UNESCO’s role in promoting peace through education.
The U.S.’s decision to rejoin UNESCO in Paris is primarily motivated by concerns that China has taken advantage of the leadership void left by the Trump administration. This development underscores the broader geopolitical dynamics at play, particularly China’s increasing influence on international institutions.
The U.S. withdrew from UNESCO in 2017, citing the organization’s alleged anti-Israel bias. The decision came after UNESCO accepted Palestine as a member state in 2011, prompting the U.S. and Israel to halt their funding to the agency. The U.S.’s withdrawal became official in 2018.
In anticipation of its return, the Biden administration has requested $150 million for UNESCO dues and arrears in the 2024 budget, with plans for additional requests in the coming years until the full debt of $619 million is repaid. This amount represents a significant portion of UNESCO’s annual operating budget of $534 million, highlighting the substantial financial contribution the U.S. made before its departure.
Prior to its withdrawal, the U.S. was the largest funder of UNESCO, providing 22% of the agency’s overall funding.
This marks the second time the U.S. has rejoined UNESCO following a period of withdrawal. The country previously left the organization in 1984 due to concerns of mismanagement, corruption, and Soviet influence. It rejoined in 2003 during President George W. Bush’s tenure.
Jill Biden, who teaches English and writing at a community college in Virginia, brings her passion for education and personal experience in the field to represent the United States in Paris. During her visit, she will also pay homage to American history and cultural heritage in France.
On Wednesday, Biden will visit the Brittany American Cemetery to honor U.S. soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War II. This tribute serves as a solemn reminder of the shared history and sacrifices that bind the U.S. and France together.
Her visit will conclude at the renowned Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, emphasizing the importance of preserving global heritage sites. This visit aims to highlight the shared global responsibility of safeguarding cultural treasures, as outlined in her program.
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