The United States is withdrawing from dozens of international organizations, including several critical to global maritime policy, ocean governance, and shipping regulation. This decision stems from a memorandum issued by President Donald J. Trump, which directs federal agencies to cease U.S. participation and funding for these bodies.

The withdrawal follows a review conducted by the Secretary of State and the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, as mandated by Executive Order 14199. The order impacts numerous non-UN organizations involved with shipping, climate, and maritime security. Notable organizations affected include the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the International Renewable Energy Agency, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the International Tropical Timber Organization. Additionally, the U.S. will withdraw from the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia.

Several UN bodies with direct relevance to maritime affairs are also included in this withdrawal. These encompass UN Oceans, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the UN Conference on Trade and Development, and UN Water. The withdrawal extends to regional ECOSOC commissions that play a role in influencing trade flows, port development, and maritime connectivity.

For UN entities, federal agencies are instructed to end participation or funding where legally permissible. The administration indicated that the review is ongoing and may result in further withdrawals.

This move represents a significant alteration in U.S. engagement with international frameworks governing shipping, environmental regulation, and global maritime cooperation. The Secretary of State will provide implementation guidance and officially publish the memorandum in the Federal Register.

U.S. orders withdrawal from dozens of International Organizations and UN Bodies