US Decides to Rejoin UNESCO and Pay Back Dues, to Counter Chinese Influence

The Eiffel Tower, country flags and the Dome are seen from the garden of the UNESCO headquarters building during the 39th session of the General Conference in Paris. Francois Mori/AP Photo, File

PARIS—UNESCO announced Monday that the United States plans to rejoin the U.N. cultural and scientific agency—and pay more than $600 million in back dues—after a decade-long dispute sparked by the organization’s move to include Palestine as a member.

U.S. officials say the decision to return was motivated by concern that China is filling the gap left by the U.S. in UNESCO policymaking, notably in setting standards for artificial intelligence and technology education around the world.