UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, remains a vital player in shaping global culture, education, science, and heritage. But in 2025, UNESCO faces a year of big headlines—both achievements and controversies.
New Heritage Sites: Adding to Humanity’s Treasure Trove
This year, UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee met in Paris and inscribed 26 new cultural and natural sites to its World Heritage List. These sites reflect diverse cultures and histories:
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In Cambodia, former Khmer Rouge prisons have been transformed from places of horror into memorials for peace.
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Malaysia received recognition for a pioneering reforestation project on land destroyed by mining a century ago.
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In Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle—the model for Disney castles—was among sites added for their unique artistic and historic value.
As of July 2025, worldwide there are 1,223 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with Italy leading (60 sites), then China (59), and Germany (54).
US Withdrawal: Politics and UNESCO
Big news broke this July: the United States announced it would be leaving UNESCO again by the end of 2026. President Trump’s administration cites UNESCO’s “progressive, divisive” social agenda, and especially its stance on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies as well as what it calls a pro-Palestinian, pro-China tilt.
The US only rejoined UNESCO in 2023 after a five-year absence. Now, it accuses the agency of bias against Israel and of “advancing divisive social and cultural causes.” The organization’s decision to admit Palestine as a member state remains a particular sticking point for American officials.
UNESCO’s leadership regrets the move, saying the agency is now more balanced than before and provides rare consensus in “action-oriented multilateralism”.
Ongoing Projects and Global Impact
Despite the US controversy, UNESCO runs more than 1,800 ongoing projects across the planet—from preserving historical buildings to fostering education for all and strengthening press freedom.
This year, 89 action camps and volunteer projects are taking place in 82 World Heritage properties, mobilizing youth and communities for conservation.
Recent Developments and Notable Events
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Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards: Submissions for conservation projects are open, with winning sites set to be honored in November 2025.
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World Heritage Volunteers: Youth and NGOs are working together in 89 projects across 70 organizations throughout 2025, reinforcing local commitment to heritage protection.
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MONDIACULT 2025: The world’s largest cultural policy conference happened this spring, gathering global leaders to set international goals for cultural development.
FAQ About UNESCO in 2025
1. What is UNESCO’s main mission in 2025?
UNESCO promotes peace and international understanding through education, science, culture and communication. This year, much focus has been on expanding heritage recognition and supporting freedom of expression.
2. Why is the United States leaving UNESCO?
The US administration decided to leave because it disagrees with UNESCO’s social and cultural policies, particularly regarding DEI initiatives and perceived pro-Palestinian bias. Withdrawal is scheduled for the end of 2026 and is viewed as part of an “America First” policy.
3. How are new World Heritage Sites chosen?
Sites are nominated by countries, then evaluated for their “outstanding universal value.” In 2025, 26 sites were officially recognized after review at the World Heritage Committee’s session in Paris.
4. Who leads in number of World Heritage Sites?
Italy currently has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites (60), followed closely by China (59) and Germany (54). These countries represent centuries of diverse culture and history.
5. What other major activities did UNESCO run in 2025?
Key activities included cultural heritage restoration awards, global youth volunteering camps, emergency support for education in crisis regions, and the high-profile MONDIACULT conference for global cultural policy.