Overview
- The presidential memorandum directs departure from 31 UN‑linked entities and 35 other organizations, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying they no longer serve U.S. interests and promote a progressive ideology.
- The move targets the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the IPCC, with UN officials noting formal withdrawal takes effect one year after notice and that no notification has yet been received.
- UN climate chief Simon Stiell called the decision a "colossal own goal," UN Secretary‑General António Guterres expressed regret, and EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra labeled the step regrettable.
- Advocacy groups and legal scholars highlight constitutional ambiguity on unilateral exits from Senate‑ratified agreements and signal potential litigation, distinguishing this from prior withdrawals from the Paris Agreement.
- The list also includes UNFPA, UN Women, UNCTAD, IRENA, IUCN, UNESCO and the WHO, while U.S. agencies report funding pullbacks and the Treasury announced withdrawal from the Green Climate Fund.