We are putting the Star Spangled banner back where it belongs.
The United States had announced its intention to rejoin UNESCO in June, and the organization’s 193 member states earlier this month voted to approve the U.S. reentry.
Tuesday’s ceremony, attended by Dr. Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States, formally signified the U.S. becoming the 194th member at the agency.
Among those present were Brigitte Macron, wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, Denise Bauer, US Ambassador to France, Esther Coopersmith, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Gabriel Attal, France's Minister of National Education, and Rima Abdul Malak, France's Minister of Culture.
Forest Whitaker, UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation introduced the ceremony, praising the spirit of peace through education "that could not have been possible without UNESCO".
We’re writing the first page of a new chapter in UNESCO’s history today.
It was followed by a powerful speech by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay who saluted "a happy moment in the life of nations."
In the time of divisions, rifts and and existential threats, we reaffirm our union here today (...) The return of the United States has a meaning that is bigger than UNESCO.
Ms. Azoulay stressed the significance of the move for multilateralism and “universality” as a whole — in a speech that referred to the war in Ukraine. She said the momentum of UNESCO will grow with the reintegration of the US, thereby strengthening the organization’s initiatives throughout the world.
Dr. Jill Biden then delivered an inspiring speech in which she emphazised her long-standing links to the Organization, especially through the UNESCO's Teach-Her program that she helped launched seven years ago in Paris.
As an educator who teaches English and writing at a Virginia community college, Dr. Jill Biden strongly believes education is a tool to shape "our future for those who will come after".
President Biden understands that if we hope to create a better world, the United States can’t go it alone—but we must help lead the way. That’s why we’re so proud to rejoin UNESCO.
Dr. Jill Biden also applauded Ms. Azoulay's role in the achievement of the US return to the Organization.
The ceremony solemnly concluded with American operatic soprano Lisette Oropesa, who interpreted the Star-Spangled Banner while the flag was raised alongside the UN flag and among the flags of the other 193 UNESCO Member States.
