Why the U.S. Is Withdrawing From 66 Global Organisations and What It Means

Kenya, January 08 2026 -The United States has announced it will withdraw from 66 international organisations, including 31 linked to the United Nations and 35 others ranging from climate and energy groups to humanitarian and scientific bodies. This move marks one of the most significant shifts in U.S. foreign policy in decades and has raised questions about the future of global cooperation.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing U.S. agencies to pull out of these organisations, citing concerns that many no longer serve America’s national interests or align with its priorities. The decision affects organisations across three main categories:

1. UN affiliated bodies (31) – including agencies on climate, development, peacebuilding, human rights, and trade, such as the UNFCCC, UN Women, and the International Trade Centre.

2. Non UN global organisations (35) – covering science, energy, environment, counterterrorism, and migration, including the IPCC, IUCN, and the International Solar Alliance.

3. Smaller commissions and forums – like the Freedom Online Coalition, the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise, and other niche multilateral platforms.

The White House has argued that: Many of the organisations are inefficient or misaligned with U.S. priorities, and that participation in these bodies costs taxpayer money while providing limited strategic benefit, claiming that the move is part of the “America First” doctrine, aiming to reclaim national sovereignty and focus resources domestically.

Officials claim this step will allow the U.S. to prioritise its own agenda rather than funding programmes perceived as unnecessary or counterproductive. The withdrawal is more than a bureaucratic reshuffle, it has global consequences: Climate and environmental policy: Exiting bodies like the UNFCCC and IPCC reduces U.S. influence over global climate negotiations, potentially slowing progress on international commitments.

Development and humanitarian work: U.S. disengagement from UN development and peacebuilding programmes could create funding gaps in projects worldwide. Global governance: Reduced U.S. presence in multilateral bodies may allow other countries, especially China, to expand their influence in shaping international standards.

Environmental groups warn that withdrawing from climate organisations risks slowing efforts to combat deforestation, emissions, and biodiversity loss, while diplomats from Europe, Africa, and Asia argue that international collaboration is critical for tackling crises like pandemics, migration, and conflict.

Conservative U.S. policymakers argue the move reduces unnecessary spending and protects national interests, while some industry groups see it as an opportunity to avoid restrictive Leaving many international bodies will take time due to legal and treaty obligations, whereas other countries and organisations will need to fill gaps left by the U.S., especially in climate, development, and humanitarian aid. analysts will watch how U.S. absence affects global policymaking, trade negotiations, and multilateral cooperation.

The U.S. withdrawal from 66 global organisations is unprecedented in scale, signaling a shift toward unilateralism. While intended to protect American interests, the decision raises questions about the future of global cooperation in areas ranging from climate action to human rights.

31 United Nations (UN)Affiliated Organisations:

1. Department of Economic and Social Affairs

2. UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) — Economic Commission for Africa

3. ECOSOC — Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean

4. ECOSOC — Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

5. ECOSOC — Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia

6. International Law Commission

7. International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals

8. International Trade Centre

9. Office of the Special Adviser on Africa

10. Office of the Special Representative for Children in Armed Conflict

11. Office of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict

12. Office of the Special Representative on Violence Against Children

13. Peacebuilding Commission

14. Peacebuilding Fund

15. Permanent Forum on People of African Descent

16. UN Alliance of Civilizations

17. UN Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation

18. UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

19. UN Democracy Fund

20. UN Energy

21. UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)

22. UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

23. UN Human Settlements Programme (UNHabitat)

24. UN Institute for Training and Research

25. UN Oceans