A look at UNESCO and its work as the US decides again to leave the cultural agency

With the support of international partners and $115 million in funding, the UN cultural agency UNESCO recently helped rebuild the Iraqi city of Mosul after it was devastated by the Islamic State group.

- BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The restoration of the historic city's iconic Al-Nouri Mosque and Al-Hadba Minaret was just one of many programs run by the UN. Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, which is in the spotlight because the United States is leaving it once again.

The decision to pull US funding and participation from UNESCO will deal a blow to its work preserving cultural heritage around the world. US President Donald Trump exited the agency during his first term, accusing it of promoting anti-Israel speech. The administration of US President Joe Biden had rejoined UNESCO in 2023 after citing concerns that China was filling the gap left by the US in UNESCO policy-making.

Here's a look at the work UNESCO does:

World Heritage sites

UNESCO names World Heritage sites, including landmarks like the Great Wall of China, the Egyptian pyramids, the Taj Mahal, and the Statue of Liberty, and gives them special protection under its World Heritage Sites program.