All articles tagged with #international organizations
The United States announces its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, citing failures during the COVID-19 pandemic and promising to end U.S. funding and staffing of WHO initiatives; engagement with WHO will be limited to facilitating the withdrawal and protecting Americans, as the U.S. pursues a more focused, bilateral approach to global health security and renewed American leadership.
The UN Secretary-General stated that the US has a legal obligation to pay its dues to UN agencies despite the Trump administration's decision to withdraw support from over 30 initiatives, including climate and humanitarian programs, which has caused concern among UN officials and diplomats.
The US is withdrawing from UNESCO for the third time, citing anti-Israel bias and ideological issues, which reduces US influence in global organizations and may benefit China, with the withdrawal effective by 2026.
The United States announced its decision to withdraw from UNESCO, citing concerns over the organization's focus on divisive social causes, its alignment with a globalist agenda, and its decision to admit Palestine as a member, which conflicts with U.S. policy. The withdrawal will take effect on December 31, 2026, but the U.S. will remain a full member until then.
Israel's recent attacks on Gaza have resulted in the destruction of numerous cultural and historical sites, including mosques, the Rashad al-Shawa Cultural Center, the Palace of Justice, and the central archives building. This deliberate targeting of Palestinian culture and heritage aims to weaken the collective identity of Palestinians. Despite the significant loss, international organizations have remained largely silent on the destruction, raising questions about their commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
The Group of 20 (G20) is set to grant membership to the African Union (AU), according to sources. This move would elevate the AU's status from an "invited international organization" to a permanent member, similar to the European Union. The decision is still being discussed, but it could be finalized by Friday. While there is a possibility of a veto, there have been no objections from G20 members so far. The formalization of AU membership is expected to take place next year when Brazil assumes the G20 presidency.
Taiwan was not invited to the World Health Organization's annual assembly due to opposition from China and Pakistan. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan and considers it part of "one China" governed by Beijing, leading to Taiwan's exclusion from many international organizations. Taiwan condemned the decision, while China welcomed it and urged other countries to stop politicizing the health issue and interfering in its internal affairs. Taiwan is allowed to attend some technical WHO meetings but says its exclusion hinders efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Ukrainian drone crashed near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, as the chief of the global nuclear watchdog was expected in Russia for talks on the plant’s security. Poland’s agriculture minister resigned due to the European Commission’s decision to extend duty-free imports for Ukrainian grain. Spain's promised shipment of six Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine has been pushed back to the second half of April. The US unveiled $2.6bn more in military assistance for Ukraine. Finland became the 31st member of NATO. The US is trying to wreck Russia’s planned summit with African countries. A Ukrainian soldier pleaded “partly guilty” on Tuesday at Russia’s first trial for war crimes in connection with its military campaign in Ukraine.