Withdrawing the United States from International Organizations, Conventions, and Treaties that Are Contrary to the Interests of the United States

1/7/2026

Presidential Memoranda

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Action Summary

Purpose: Withdraw the United States from international organizations, conventions, and treaties determined to be contrary to U.S. interests, as established by Executive Order 14199.
Previous Review: The Secretary of State, in consultation with the U.N. Representative, reviewed U.S. funding and participation in various international organizations and reported findings supporting withdrawal.
Directive: All executive departments and agencies are instructed to take immediate action to withdraw from the listed organizations, ceasing participation and funding where legally permitted.
Organizations Targeted for Withdrawal:
- Non-United Nations Organizations: Includes 35 entities, such as the 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact, Colombo Plan Council, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, International Renewable Energy Agency, among others.
- United Nations Organizations: Includes 31 bodies, such as the UN Economic and Social Council (with its regional commissions), International Trade Centre, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, UN Energy, UN Water, and others.
Implementation Guidance: The Secretary of State will issue further guidance as necessary to ensure agencies comply with the memorandum.
General Provisions: Clarifies that the memorandum does not impair departmental legal authorities or create legally enforceable rights, and it requires adherence to applicable law and appropriations availability; publication in the Federal Register is authorized.

Risks & Considerations

The withdrawal from various international organizations, particularly those focused on education, climate change, and international development, may limit Vanderbilt University’s opportunities for international collaboration and research funding. This could impact departments involved in global studies and environmental sciences.
Ceasing participation in climate-related organizations like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change could affect research and partnerships related to climate science and sustainability initiatives at Vanderbilt.
The decision to withdraw from organizations such as the UN Democracy Fund and other democracy-related entities may limit Vanderbilt’s involvement in international policy discussions on governance, potentially impacting programs in international relations and political science.
With reduced U.S. participation in UN programs focused on gender equality and human rights, Vanderbilt may face challenges in aligning its diversity and inclusion initiatives with changing international norms and expectations.
The overall reduction in U.S. engagement with international bodies could create a more insular academic environment, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives and innovations that are vital for a comprehensive education.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and Environment (VIEE) may see reduced access to international research collaborations and funding opportunities due to U.S. withdrawal from energy and environmental forums.
The Peabody College of Education and Human Development could be impacted by reduced participation in global educational initiatives, potentially affecting research and policy contributions.
Vanderbilt’s Global Education Office may need to adjust its strategies for study abroad programs and international student recruitment as global partnerships are reevaluated.
The Department of Political Science might face challenges in sourcing data and resources related to international political trends and governance structures.

Financial Impact

Potential reduction in research grants and funding from international bodies, necessitating a shift toward domestic funding sources or alternative international partnerships.
The withdrawal from global climate initiatives may lead to decreased funding for sustainability projects, impacting departments focused on environmental science and policy.
Vanderbilt may need to invest in independent research initiatives to fill the gap left by the withdrawal from international data-sharing and collaborative platforms.

Relevance Score: 4 (This memorandum presents significant risks that could lead to major transformations within the university’s programs and international collaborations.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should closely monitor updates and guidance from the Secretary of State regarding the withdrawal from international organizations. This will help the university understand potential impacts on partnerships and funding opportunities related to international collaborations.
The Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and Environment should assess how the withdrawal from organizations focused on renewable energy and climate change (e.g., International Renewable Energy Agency, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) might affect ongoing research projects and funding streams. Exploring alternative funding sources and partnerships will be essential.
Vanderbilt’s Political Science Department should analyze the broader political implications of the U.S. withdrawing from international cooperative entities. Engaging in discussions and publishing research could enhance the university’s role as a thought leader in international relations and policy impact.
The Center for Global Health should evaluate the effects of withdrawal from health-related organizations, ensuring that existing global health programs and collaborations remain robust and identifying new opportunities for international engagement.
Vanderbilt’s Peabody College should consider how these actions may influence educational initiatives and partnerships worldwide, particularly in areas related to international education policy and development.

Opportunities

The withdrawal from various international organizations presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt to strengthen bilateral partnerships with universities abroad. By focusing on direct collaborations, Vanderbilt can maintain and potentially enhance its global educational and research influence.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the need for independent research and policy analysis on global issues affected by the withdrawal. Establishing itself as a neutral, authoritative voice in international policy discussions can attract new funding and partnership opportunities.
The focus on domestic interests might increase federal support for national research initiatives, providing Vanderbilt with opportunities to secure funding for projects aligned with national priorities.

Relevance Score: 4 (The memorandum requires significant assessment and potential adaptation of international collaborations and funding strategies.)

Average Relevance Score: 4.4

Timeline for Implementation

Immediate action is required; agencies are directed to take steps to effectuate the withdrawal “as soon as possible.”

Relevance Score: 5

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of State: Tasked with reviewing the international organizations and providing the necessary guidance for withdrawing U.S. involvement.
Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies: Directed to take immediate steps to effectuate the withdrawal from the specified international organizations, conventions, and treaties.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Noted in the general provisions to coordinate on budgetary and administrative proposals, ensuring that the implementation is in line with existing authorities.

Relevance Score: 5 (The directive applies across the entire executive branch, impacting all relevant federal agencies.)

Responsible Officials

Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies – They are directed to take immediate steps to withdraw from the designated international organizations, conventions, and treaties.
Secretary of State – Tasked with providing additional guidance to agencies during the implementation of the memorandum.

Relevance Score: 4 (Directives target agency heads and include guidance from a key official, impacting mid-to-high level leadership within executive agencies.)