Blinken reaffirms US' commitment to support UNESCO's fundamental mission

Audrey Azoulay and Antony Blinken also discussed actions that are being implemented and envisaged by UNESCO in crisis and conflict environments, notably in Iraq, Gaza and Ukraine.

On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made his first official visit to UNESCO headquarters since the United States re-joined the Organization in July 2023. In a meeting with Audrey Azoulay, he reaffirmed the United States' full commitment to supporting UNESCO's mandate for education, sciences, culture and information.

The Director-General praised the United States' commitment to the Organization's multisector priorities including Africa and gender equality, improving access to quality education for all, as well as globally implementing the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence which was unanimously adopted by UNESCO's Member States in November 2021.

Audrey Azoulay and Antony Blinken also discussed actions that are being implemented and envisaged by UNESCO in crisis and conflict environments, notably in Iraq, Gaza and Ukraine. In recent months, the United States has made a voluntary contribution of $3 million to UNESCO to preserve the works of Ukrainian artists, including the works of Maria Prymachenko. 

On the occasion of this meeting, Audrey Azoulay also paid tribute to UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Esther Coopersmith, who passed away on March 26, and who was an ardent advocate of the United States' return to the Organization.