United States President Donald Trump has ordered the immediate withdrawal of the United States from 66 international organizations, conventions, and treaties deemed contrary to U.S. national interests. The decision, outlined in an official memorandum, significantly affects several United Nations bodies with a focus on Africa.
The memorandum, dated January 7, 2026, and addressed to heads of ministries and executive agencies, directs all relevant federal institutions to take the necessary steps to implement the withdrawals “as soon as possible.”
Among the UN entities affected are the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the Office of the UN Special Adviser on Africa, and the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.
The decision follows a review conducted by the U.S. Secretary of State, in line with Executive Order 14199 issued on February 4, 2025, which mandated an assessment of all intergovernmental organizations, conventions, and treaties to which the United States is a party.
Beyond the UN system, Washington is also withdrawing from 35 other international organizations, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Global Forum on Migration and Development.
In total, 31 UN entities are affected, among them the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, UN Women, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.
The memorandum notes that the review of additional recommendations by the Secretary of State is ongoing, leaving open the possibility of further withdrawals. The Secretary of State has been tasked with issuing the necessary directives to ensure the effective implementation of the decision.
