Palestine has touched a major landmark on Monday as it won full membership in UNESCO – it has become the 195th member of the world body. In what appears to be a high-voltage dramatic moment, 93 delegates voted for Palestine out of the total 173 member delegates present. Only 14 votes went against inclusion of Palestine in the UN agency and 52 votes was reported abstentions.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization conducts and promotes various literacy and cultural events throughout the globe, apart from safeguarding the world heritage sites. It relies heavily on the American funding, which accounts for 22 percent of the total annual budget of UNESCO. The autonomous world body will also lose another 3 percent annual contribution from Israel. By defying the United States and granting full membership to Palestine, the UN agency has accepted significant financial loss. There is a growing concern that shortage of fund might send the Middle East peace efforts for a toss.
The United States has threatened to stop UNESCO funding and has cancelled $ 60 million planned for the month of November.
Monday’s vote signifies a symbolic victory for Palestine. As Palestine signs the founding charter of UNESCO, it will officially become the 195th member.
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