The U.S. withdrawal from UNESCO — its third exit from the agency since 1984 — has sparked more shrugs than shock globally. A CGTN poll of 9,097 respondents across five languages found 84.2% aren’t surprised, signaling the world is growing numb to America’s ‘habitual absence’ from global cooperation. 🚨
The ‘America First’ Fallout
Washington blamed UNESCO for promoting “divisive” causes conflicting with its unilateral agenda. But 93.5% of poll participants slammed the U.S. for treating international bodies like political pawns. Critics point to America’s 2025 review of UNESCO over alleged ‘anti-Israel bias’ as proof of skewed priorities, with 90.7% calling the latest exit a nod to entrenched favoritism. 💼
A Call for True Multilateralism
UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay called the move “regrettable” but said the agency is financially prepared. Meanwhile, 88.7% warn U.S. withdrawals reflect a dangerous shift toward anti-global governance. Over 90% urge nations to unite for fairer international systems. “The U.S. isn’t the main character here,” said one analyst. “The world is moving on.” 🌐
With 66.7% fearing copycat exits by other nations, the poll underscores a growing demand for leadership that prioritizes collective progress over solo power plays. 🔥
