Jill Biden, the First Lady of the United States, is set to commemorate the U.S.’s rejoining of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at a flag-raising ceremony in Paris. The American flag will be raised at the UNESCO headquarters, symbolizing the country’s return to membership after a five-year absence.
UNESCO’s mission is to promote international collaboration in the fields of education, science, and culture. The organization plays a vital role in designating World Heritage sites and safeguarding them for future generations. In light of recent events, UNESCO has condemned Russia’s attack on a cathedral in Odesa and other heritage sites in Ukraine. It will be sending a team to assess the damage caused by these attacks.
As part of her visit to France, Jill Biden will also embark on a tour of Mont-Saint-Michel, a historic venue that houses a thousand-year-old Benedictine abbey. This iconic site, listed as a World Heritage site in 1979, is located on an island in Normandy. The First Lady will also pay her respects to over 4,400 U.S. service members buried at the Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial. Most of these brave individuals lost their lives during World War II in Normandy and Brittany.
During her time in Paris, Jill Biden will meet with Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, at the Elysée Palace. Both women share a background in education, and their previous meetings have strengthened their connection.
The decision to rejoin UNESCO aligns with President Joe Biden’s vision of strengthening global partnerships and reaffirming American leadership in international organizations. By recommitting to UNESCO and other United Nations agencies, the U.S. aims to counter nations that do not share its democratic values.
Jill Biden’s role as an educator makes her ideally suited to represent the United States in celebrating this significant milestone. As a lifelong believer in the power of education, she is honored to promote international cooperation in education, science, and culture.
The United States withdrew from UNESCO in 2018 under the administration of former President Donald Trump, who claimed bias against Israel as one of the reasons for this decision. Concerns that China was filling the leadership void left by the U.S. prompted the Biden administration to seek reentry into the organization. In June, the U.S. applied to rejoin UNESCO, recognizing the pivotal role it plays in shaping international standards for artificial intelligence and technology education.
Jill Biden’s visit to France to celebrate the U.S.’s return to UNESCO membership signifies the country’s commitment to global cooperation in education, science, and culture. By participating in this flag-raising ceremony, the First Lady emphasizes the United States’ dedication to promoting peace, understanding, and the preservation of humanity’s cultural and natural heritage.
