Withdrawing the United States from and Ending Funding to Certain United Nations Organizations and Reviewing United States Support to All International Organizations

February 4, 2025

Presidential Actions

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Action Summary

Purpose: Reevaluate U.S. commitment to select UN agencies that are seen as misaligned with U.S. interests, particularly those accused of propagating anti-Israel sentiment and anti-Semitism.
UN Organizations Under Scrutiny:
- UNHRC: Withdraw U.S. participation and eliminate the role of the U.S. Representative.
- UNESCO: Initiate a review of U.S. membership, focusing on evidence of anti-Israel bias and overall alignment with U.S. interests.
- UNRWA: Halt funding due to concerns over infiltration by individuals linked to terrorist organizations and involvement in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
Funding Directives:
- Cease any contributions, grants, or payments to UNRWA.
- Withhold the U.S. share of the UN Regular Budget allocated to the UNHRC.
Comprehensive Review: Mandate a review within 180 days of all international intergovernmental organizations, conventions, and treaties that receive U.S. funding or support, to determine if they are contrary to U.S. interests and to recommend potential withdrawal or reform.
Notification and Communication: Instruct the Secretary to inform the UN Secretary General, as well as the leadership of UNRWA and the UNHRC, that the U.S. will not fund these organizations or pay outstanding assessments or arrears.
General Provisions: Clarify that the order preserves existing legal authorities and does not create enforceable rights, and it will be executed in accordance with applicable law and appropriations.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order to withdraw the United States from certain United Nations organizations and end funding could impact international collaborations and partnerships that Vanderbilt University may have with these organizations, particularly in areas related to education, science, and culture.
Vanderbilt’s programs that rely on international cooperation or funding from UN bodies such as UNESCO may face challenges in securing resources or continuing their initiatives without U.S. support.
The focus on anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment within these organizations may lead to increased scrutiny of academic programs and partnerships, potentially affecting research and educational exchanges.
The review of U.S. membership in international organizations could result in further withdrawals, impacting Vanderbilt’s global engagement strategies and its ability to participate in international academic networks.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s International Programs may need to reassess their partnerships and funding sources, particularly those involving UNESCO or other UN-affiliated bodies.
The Office of Global Safety and Security might need to update its risk assessments and travel advisories for students and faculty involved in international research or study abroad programs.
Research Centers focusing on international relations, human rights, or cultural studies may need to adjust their research agendas and seek alternative funding sources.
The Peabody College of Education and Human Development could see changes in its collaborations with international educational organizations, affecting research and policy development.

Financial Impact

The withdrawal of U.S. funding from UN organizations could lead to a reduction in available grants and financial support for projects that involve international collaboration, necessitating a shift in funding strategies.
Vanderbilt may need to explore alternative funding opportunities to support its international initiatives and maintain its global presence.
Changes in U.S. foreign policy and international relations could affect the university’s ability to attract international students and scholars, potentially impacting tuition revenue and diversity on campus.
There may be increased competition for non-governmental funding sources as other institutions also seek to replace lost UN funding.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential impacts on international collaborations and funding sources.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s International Relations Department should monitor the outcomes of the U.S. review of its membership in UNESCO and other international organizations. Understanding the implications of these changes can help the university align its international programs and partnerships with evolving U.S. foreign policy.
The Office of Federal Relations should engage with policymakers to understand the potential impacts of the U.S. withdrawal from funding certain UN organizations. This engagement can help Vanderbilt anticipate changes in international collaboration opportunities and funding.
Vanderbilt’s Center for International Studies should consider conducting research on the broader impacts of the U.S. withdrawal from UN organizations on global education and cultural exchange programs. This research can provide valuable insights and position Vanderbilt as a thought leader in international policy analysis.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Political Science Department to analyze the geopolitical implications of the U.S. withdrawal from certain UN organizations. By publishing findings and engaging in public discourse, the department can enhance its reputation and influence in international relations.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on U.S. interests in international organizations by developing new programs that align with national priorities. This could include partnerships with U.S.-based organizations and initiatives that support U.S. foreign policy goals.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order requires some adjustments to Vanderbilt’s international programs and partnerships due to changes in U.S. foreign policy.)

Average Relevance Score: 3

Timeline for Implementation

Within 90 days of the order date (February 4, 2025): Review of U.S. membership in UNESCO to evaluate its alignment with U.S. interests.
Within 180 days of the order date (February 4, 2025): Comprehensive review of all international intergovernmental organizations where the U.S. is involved, with subsequent recommendations to the President.

Relevance Score: 2

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of State: The Department is directed to terminate the office of the U.S. Representative to the UNHRC, lead the review of UNESCO membership, and coordinate the broader analysis of U.S. support to international organizations.
Executive Departments and Agencies: All executive entities are mandated to withhold funding for UNRWA and adjust contributions to international organizations, thereby affecting their budgetary and operational engagements.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Although its core functions remain intact, the OMB is referenced to ensure that the implementation of the order aligns with budgetary, administrative, and legislative proposals.
National Security Council (NSC) / Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs: This office is involved in receiving and processing the review findings regarding U.S. participation in international organizations for subsequent national security policy decisions.

Relevance Score: 2 (Three to five distinct U.S. government entities are directly addressed in the executive order.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary – Tasked with terminating the United States Representative to the UNHRC, leading the review of UNESCO membership and international funding, withdrawing determinations, and conveying notifications to international organizations.
United Nations Ambassador – Responsible for coordinating with the Secretary on the UNESCO review and the broader analysis of U.S. support for international intergovernmental organizations.
Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs – Acts as the conduit for receiving the Secretary’s report on the review of international organizations, conventions, and treaties.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives impact Cabinet-level officials and key White House positions).