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Question

Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.' Discuss the statement in the light of US' withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being 'anti-Israel bias'.

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2019 (Prelims) CSAT Previous Year Paper (02-Jun-2019)

The statement "Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life" accurately encapsulates the challenges faced by the cultural body.

The "too little cash" directly relates to the United States' withdrawal in 2017 (and previously in 1984). As a significant financial contributor, the US's departure severely impacted UNESCO's budget, hindering its capacity to fund crucial educational, scientific, and cultural programs worldwide.

This withdrawal was primarily driven by accusations of "anti-Israel bias," exemplifying the "too much politics" aspect. Resolutions, particularly concerning heritage sites in Jerusalem, were perceived by the US and Israel as undermining their historical ties. Such politicization, where geopolitical agendas overshadow UNESCO's mission to foster understanding, erodes trust and membership.

This dual challenge of financial strain and persistent political divisions weakens UNESCO's ability to effectively pursue its mandate for global cooperation and peace, indeed leaving it struggling for its relevance and impact on the world stage.

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