The United States has withdrawn from UNESCO. The decision will take effect at the end of 2017.

The country hopes to remain a non-member, observer state, in order to contribute US opinions and expertise on issues like press freedoms and protecting world heritage, according to the Department.

Washington has explained its decision by drastic changes in UNESCO and continuous anti-Israel bias.

Back in 2011, the United States stopped funding the organization after UNESCO included the Palestinian Authority as a full member. Israel and Canada followed the example of the United States.

The chairman of the Organization Irina Bokova regrets US government’s decision, considering it a loss for UNESCO.