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Nicaragua Withdraws from UNESCO in Protest Against 2025 Press Freedom Award Decision.

International | Dated: 08 May 2025

In May 2025, the government of Nicaragua officially withdrew from the Paris-based United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) — a UN agency that promotes education, science, culture, and the preservation of outstanding cultural and natural heritage across the globe.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - This decision came as a response to UNESCO's announcement recognizing the exiled Nicaraguan newspaper La Prensa as the recipient of the 2025 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, awarded annually on World Press Freedom Day (May 3). The award, intended to honor exceptional contributions to press freedom, drew criticism from Nicaragua, prompting its exit from the organization.
  • - Nicaragua’s withdrawal marks a significant setback for UNESCO, which continues to face scrutiny and opposition, including from former U.S. President Donald Trump, under whose administration the U.S. had previously distanced itself from the agency.
  • - Nicaragua, which became one of UNESCO’s 194 member states in 1952, will officially end its 74-year membership on December 31, 2026, in accordance with UNESCO’s constitution.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) La Prensa, officially known as La Prensa – El Diario de los Nicaragüenses, was founded in 1926 and is based in Managua, the capital of Nicaragua. Since 2021, after its leaders were imprisoned and expelled and its assets were confiscated, the newspaper has continued operating online from exile. Most of its team now works from Costa Rica, Spain, Mexico, Germany, and the United States.
  • (ii) The UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize was established in 1997. It recognizes individuals or organizations that have shown exceptional commitment to defending and promoting press freedom. The award is especially focused on those working under dangerous or challenging conditions.
  • (iii) The prize is named in honor of Guillermo Cano Isaza, a Colombian journalist. He was assassinated in 1986 because of his courageous journalism and outspoken criticism of drug cartels. His legacy represents the global struggle for press freedom.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which country recently withdrew from UNESCO in May 2025 over a press freedom award controversy?

Correct Answer: Nicaragua

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Nicaragua

  • President : José Daniel Ortega Saavedra
  • Capital : Managua