United States of America's Decision to Withdraw from International Organizations (January 2026)

The United States initiated a process to withdraw from a total of 66 international organizations institutions and structures through an executive order issued in January 2026. This decision encompasses entities within the United Nations (UN) system as well as international organizations outside the UN framework. The withdrawal decision was enacted via a presidential memorandum signed by Donald Trump, President of the United States.

Legal Basis and Implementation Process

The withdrawal process is based on a prior presidential directive that called for a review of United States support for international organizations. Following an assessment conducted by the U.S. Department of State certain organizations were deemed “inconsistent with U.S. national interests.” Accordingly instructions were issued to terminate participation in and financial support for these institutions.

Withdrawals from the United Nations System

Under the withdrawal decision a process to disengage from 31 distinct entities within the United Nations system was initiated. These include commissions funds and programs active in economic social environmental and humanitarian fields. Among the UN structures from which the United States withdrew are regional commissions under the Economic and Social Council and various special representative offices.

Withdrawal from the Climate Regime and UNFCCC

One of the most prominent entities included in the U.S. withdrawal decision is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). UNFCCC adopted in 1992 established the legal foundation for global climate negotiations. The United States became the first country to withdraw from this convention. The withdrawal decision resulted in the termination of obligations including the annual submission of national greenhouse gas inventories and participation in conferences of the parties.

Withdrawal from Entities Linked to UNFCCC

In connection with UNFCCC several other international structures active in climate and environmental fields were also included in the withdrawal list. These include the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and scientific platforms working on biodiversity and ecosystem services. These withdrawals meant the termination of institutional contributions provided by the United States to these entities.

Withdrawals from International Organizations Outside the UN

The presidential memorandum also included 35 international organizations outside the UN system in the withdrawal scope. These organizations operate in areas such as energy environment democracy law trade culture and technical cooperation. Some of these entities are regional while others are global structures with thematic expertise.

Scope of the Withdrawal List

Organizations on the withdrawal list include entities active in renewable energy forestry mineral resources migration development education cultural heritage and scientific research. The U.S. administration classified some of these organizations as “redundant” “ineffective” or “inconsistent with priorities.”

Connection with Previous Withdrawal Decisions

The withdrawal decision announced in 2026 has been viewed as a continuation of earlier U.S. decisions to withdraw from institutions such as the World Health Organization UNESCO the UN Human Rights Council and the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees. This reflects a consistent policy trend in the United States approach to multilateral international structures.

Institutional and International Impacts

Following the withdrawal decision the relevant UN units and other international organizations undertook budgetary and personnel adjustments. Some organizations have scaled back their activities while others have suspended projects. The decision has led to structural changes in the functioning of international organizations.

Implementation and Authority Framework

The presidential memorandum vested authority for implementing the withdrawal process in the Department of State. Implementation is expected to comply with U.S. domestic law and existing budgetary arrangements. The memorandum explicitly states that it does not confer any direct legal rights on individuals or institutions.

International Organizations Treaties and Agreements from Which the United States Has Withdrawn (Full List)

A. Entities within the United Nations System

• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
• Regional commissions under the UN Economic and Social Council
• UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs
• UN Population Fund (UNFPA)
• UN Women
• UN Energy
• UN Water
• UN Oceans
• UN University
• UN Institute for Training and Research
• UN Democracy Fund
• UN Commission for Peacebuilding
• UN Peacebuilding Fund
• UN Human Settlements Programme
• UN Conference on Trade and Development

B. Entities in Climate Environment and Science

• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
• Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
• International Renewable Energy Agency
• International Solar Alliance
• International Union for Conservation of Nature
• International Tropical Timber Organization

C. International Organizations Outside the United Nations

• Global Counterterrorism Forum
• Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance
• International Energy Forum
• International Cotton Advisory Committee
• Pan-American Institute of Geography and History
• Atlantic Cooperation Partnership
• Center for Science and Technology (Ukraine)
• International Center for the Protection and Restoration of Cultural Property
• International Lead and Zinc Study Group
• Carbon-Free Energy Agreement
• Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century